Experts warn that early childhood lead exposure can cause irreversible brain damage that affects learning and behavior
Says children around the world continue to die at an alarming rate, with 5.6 million deaths recorded last year. PHOTO: FILE
Four out of every ten children aged between 12 and 36 months living in high-risk areas in seven cities in Pakistan were found to have lead in their blood, according to a study released by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in collaboration with UNICEF.
The findings highlight a serious public health concern, as lead exposure can stunt growth, cause anemia, weaken the immune system and negatively affect cognitive development. It is also associated with lower IQ, reduced attention span, reduced memory and an increased risk of learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
The study sampled more than 2,100 children living in high-risk industrial areas in Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, revealing significant variation in exposure levels.
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Children in Hattar, Haripur, were found to be the most affected, with 88% showing elevated blood lead levels, compared to just 1% in Islamabad.
“Protecting children from lead exposure is a national public health priority. The evidence highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts across health, environmental and regulatory systems. The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening surveillance, improving enforcement of standards and integrating prevention into child health programs nationwide,” said Health Minister Muhammad Aslam Ghaurim.
According to the study, potential sources of lead exposure include industrial emissions, informal battery recycling, lead-based paint, contaminated food and spices, and traditional cosmetics.
It noted that risks persist due to gaps in law enforcement, monitoring and public awareness. Global estimates suggest the burden could be significantly higher, with up to eight in ten children in Pakistan potentially affected – among the highest rates globally.
Lead exposure has also been associated with long-term economic losses estimated at 6-8 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product annually.
“Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, making them particularly vulnerable. Lead affects every system in the body, but its impact on brain development can be devastating and lifelong. There is no safe level of exposure to lead for children, and its harmful effects are irreversible,” says UNICEF Pakistan Representative Pernille Ironside.
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The results were shared at a high-level meeting attended by key stakeholders, where priority actions were discussed. These include the development of a national action plan to eliminate lead from high-risk products, the establishment of a blood-lead surveillance system within child health programs, increased public awareness, creation of a government-led multisectoral task force, and improved data collection.
“Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to children’s health and development. The evidence is clear that it has lifelong consequences for learning and productivity. Eliminating exposure requires urgent regulatory action, stronger enforcement and sustained investment in prevention and child protection systems,” said Abdullah Fadil.
A nationally representative study is planned later this year to assess lead exposure among children and pregnant women.
