At Minimum, 20% Of Children In Kolkata Have Some Degree Of Lead Poisoning
KOLKATA: It's a silent killer that could be taking a heavy toll on young children. A study by doctors in Kolkata reveals that at least 20% of the city's children are affected by lead poisoning, which is turning out to be a bigger threat than anyone imagines.
Sixty percent of the Kolkata samples tested positive for lead poisoning. This is twice the national average. What makes it even scarier is that the symptoms are too subtle to be noticed. By the time, parents realize something is wrong, the damage is already done and the child is destined for a lifetime of ailments.
When 10-year-old Rajib Ray started faring poorly in school, his parents thought he had stopped being attentive in class. His grades steadily went down but his parents got alarmed only when he failed the final exam. "He was fairly good in studies, so it was a bit surprising. Then, we found that he couldn't memorize his lessons despite trying hard. When we took him to the doctor, we were told that it could be the fallout of lead poisoning. We got his blood tested and our worst fears came true. It was probably the lead-based paint on his toys that poisoned him," said Ruchira Ray, his mother.
Toys are primarily to blame. Though some of the more reputable firms ensure lead-free paint and safe plastic, the majority of the toys have toxic paint that is absorbed even through the baby's tender skin. A host of other daily-use items may also be hazardous, like cheap plastic mugs, lead pencils, cheap colours and crayons. Wall paints can also be very dangerous, warn doctors.
The level of lead in blood should not be more than 10 micorgrams/dL in children and no more than 20 micrograms/dL for adults. But 150 of the 250 blood samples of Kolkata kids tested at a Mumbai laboratory showed alarmingly high levels of lead contamination. Every fifth child in Kolkata is believed to be a victim of lead toxicity. Children are more susceptible because they have smaller bodies.
EDIT
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Lead-poisoning-affects-20-Kolkata-kids/articleshow/21062303.cms
