The Silent Crisis of Lead Toxicity in India: Understanding Its Impact and the Way Forward
Lead toxicity is a silent public health crisis that disproportionately affects young children, impairing their physical and cognitive development. Despite the global effort to reduce lead exposure, India faces a monumental challenge, with over 275 million children exhibiting elevated blood lead levels above the World Health Organization's (WHO) actionable threshold of 5 µg/dL . Alarmingly, 64.3 million children have blood lead levels exceeding 10 µg/dL , indicating a pressing need for intervention. What Is Lead Toxicity and Why Is It Dangerous? Lead toxicity occurs when lead accumulates in the body, often through ingestion or inhalation. For children, even low levels of lead can cause irreversible damage, including: Cognitive impairments: Reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and attention disorders. Behavioral problems: Increased hyperactivity and aggression. Physical health issues: Delayed growth and development, weakened immunity. In pregnant women, lead exposure can cross th
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