Lead poisoning is endangering the lives of children. Bangladesh ranks fourth in the world in terms of death rate due to lead poisoning.
UNICEF Bangladesh has recently released such horrific information. Lead poisoning can have serious consequences for children, especially those under the age of five. It can cause irreparable damage to children’s brains and impede their full development.
According to the first such global report published by Pure Earth, an organization affiliated with UNICEF to prevent lead contamination in children, lead levels in the blood of about 600 million children worldwide are five micrograms per deciliter or more, a level that requires action. About half of these children live in South Asia.
In Bangladesh alone, lead levels in the blood of an estimated 35 million children are very high.
According to the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation, Bangladesh ranks fourth in the world in terms of death rate due to lead poisoning.
Illegal recycling factories of lead acid batteries used near localities are often responsible for lead poisoning.
High levels of lead have also been found in spices, for example lead chromate, which is used to increase the color and weight of turmeric.
UNICEF reports that long-term exposure to lead can lead to headaches, abdominal pain, lethargy, memory loss, poor concentration, loss of appetite or constipation.
Lead poisoning can also damage the nervous system and the central nervous system, causing them to become restless or lethargic.
It is learned that the concerned department is not doing enough for the removal of battery re-cycling factories near the locality.
It is also alleged that a section of BSTI inspectors in Bangladesh are engaged in dishonest practice by collecting money from these factories.
Many foreign investors are coming to Bangladesh to make baby food biology products. But there are allegations that the concerned department does not cooperate with them in this regard.
