A 2021 study estimated that more than half of our children (close to 20 crore) have lead levels in their blood greater than 5 micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL).
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), any level above 5 µg/dL is “a trigger for a thorough review of the ways in which a person is being exposed to lead and for action to reduce or end this exposure.”
Children are the most vulnerable.
Lead poisoning accounts for a fifth of the learning gap between rich and poor countries.
The consequences of lead poisoning range from neurological impairments and learning disabilities to stunted growth and organ damage.
Despite being a recognised global concern, lead poisoning in India remains unaddressed.