Combating Lead

The effects of lead poisoning in humans, particularly children, have been known for decades. Substances which cause lead to pollute the environment including soil and water, are also not unknown to health establishments around the world. Yet, lead poisoning remains one of the most serious health hazards in urban areas of most countries. Against this backdrop, a forthcoming conference on "Lead Poisoning Prevention and Treatment" scheduled to be held Feb 8 next in the south Indian city of Bangalore, has come as a welcome signal that the world may be finally waking up to the dangers posed by this invisible menace. The conference, sponsored by the World Bank and three US non-governmental organisations, expects to bring 300 experts, government officials and civil society representatives together to address this critical issue.

For Bangladesh, the importance of the conference can hardly be over-estimated. In recent days, the effects of lead poisoning on children as well as adults have been dramatically exposed in reports released by experts. Exposure to lead can cause a range of health problems. These include high blood pressure, anaemia, loss of energy, infertility, kidney diseases, hypertension etc. Exposure to high levels of lead can cause coma, convulsions, and even death. Doctors fear that there may be no permissible limit of exposure to lead. This means that lead poisoning has to be either prevented through eliminating sources of lead pollution or by putting in place treatment facilities. It is expected that the conference, which has the backing of the World Health Organisation, will lead to concrete plan of action to address this issue in the developing world.

For Bangladesh, there is no scope to take the conference lightly. The population of all major urban centres, particularly Dhaka, is already severely affected by lead poisoning, especially due to the leaded variety of fuel used by motor vehicles. Being a major victim of lead pollution, Bangladesh needs to take a pioneering role at the conference and press hard for global efforts to address this issue. For the results of the conference to have real, lasting impact on Bangladesh policy and actions, the government machinery needs to build a close working relationship with others working in the field.