The Hindu : New Delhi News : High levels of lead in Delhi household dust, reveals study

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Wednesday, Jun 04, 2008
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New Delhi

High levels of lead in Delhi household dust, reveals study

Staff Reporter

‘India must legislate the removal of lead from products such as paints and toys’

NEW DELHI: A study by Toxics Link has revealed alarmingly high levels of lead in household dust in the Capital that may have serious consequences for the health and well-being of its residents.

Since leaded petrol was banned in 2000, the findings of the study have indicated an alternative source of the dreaded element -- paints and toys.

The study was conducted across 57 households in Delhi that were sampled for levels of lead in floor and windowsill dust.

While over 31 per cent floor dust samples tested positive for lead, 14 per cent of the windowsill dust samples were also found to contain the hazardous substance.

Representatives of Toxics Link are of the view that the high levels of lead are not restricted to but may be common in other cities in India as well.

Toxics Link director Ravi Agarwal said on Tuesday: “India must legislate the removal of lead from products such as paints and toys to ensure a healthy future generation. It is time the industry takes immediate action to disallow such products from being distributed.”

A highly toxic metal, lead exposure in children may adversely affect cognitive and behavioural development besides stunting muscle growth and coordination.

The main sources of lead poisoning in children are considered to be paint chips, contaminated dust and soil.

Airborne

Exposure may also occur from lead paint when smaller particles become airborne during sanding and scrapping while repainting and remodelling.

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