Melbourne/ Hyderabad: High levels of lead contamination in the blood of children living in India may have a significant impact in lowering their IQ and increasing the risk of other diseases, a study has found. Researchers from Macquarie University in Australia conducted the first ever meta-analysis of Indian blood lead levels.
Sources of high levels of lead in the blood are lead-based paints, lead contaminated dust, water, air and soil. It is also contracted from the adults who work with batteries, work in home renovations, automobile repair shops and processed foods.
Development and learning delays are some of the early symptoms of contamination along with slowed growth and mood disorders.
Various studies carried out in India have shown the lead levels to be high in the metros.
In Mumbai and Delhi, the elevated blood levels showed lead between 5 mg/dl and 20 ug/dl in children. Apart from atmospheric lead, the use of lead in industries which makes its way through water into the human system, was found to be high.
Senior paediatrician Dr B. Raju, explained the symptoms: “Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, constipation and severe fatigue are some of the recurring symptoms and they must not be ignored. Often we find that parents take short term treatment, and once they recover, they do not check for the causes. It is only when the symptoms keep on repeating that the causes are analysed, but by then a lot of time has been lost.”
Those who stay close to factories, automobile repair shops, or repair batteries must take care as their children are exposed to this type of contamination.
Chronic low lead exposure has also been associated with cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, anemia, and low birth weight, and premature mortality.
The implications of exposure are extremely detrimental, and with no evidence that the adverse outcomes remit with age.
