Speakers at a public awareness rally held at Tejgaon on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh.
Organized by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, the rally coincided with the observance of "International Lead Pollution Prevention Week" from October 20 to 26.
The event, themed "Bright Futures Begin Lead-Free," attracted around more than 50 participants, including volunteers, local NGOs, government officials, environmental rights activists, and members of civil society.
The rally began in the morning, covering significant locations near the Tejgaon industrial area and culminating in the formation of a human chain at noon.
Participants carried banners and placards with anti-lead pollution messages, chanting slogans like "Together, we can solve lead pollution."
The initiative aimed to raise awareness and call for government action to implement stringent measures to prevent lead poisoning. Leaflets and stickers about lead pollution were distributed to the public during the event.
During the rally, speakers highlighted five key demands directed at government officials.
They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminium cookware, wall paint, and children's toys.
Additionally, they urged the establishment of safe and formal lead-acid battery recycling systems, as well as preventing unsafe battery factories from operating nationwide. Participants emphasized the need for monitoring systems to identify and clean lead-contaminated areas caused by illegal recycling practices.
They also stressed the importance of reviewing and updating existing laws and policies on lead pollution to ensure effective enforcement. Lastly, speakers advocated for raising national awareness about the sources and dangers of lead pollution, calling for the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
Despite Bangladesh ranking fourth globally in lead pollution, awareness remains alarmingly low.
Approximately 36 million children—about 60% of the child population—suffer from elevated lead levels in their blood, leading to reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and behavioural issues.
In adults, lead pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting in around 140,000 deaths annually. The economic losses from lead-related health issues are estimated to reach $28.6 billion each year, underscoring the urgency of collective action against this pervasive threat.
Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, underscored the vital role of young people in this initiative. "The youth are the architects of tomorrow's world. Their active involvement in preventing lead pollution will lead to sustainable and constructive changes in their communities, ensuring a lead-free and safe environment for future generations," he remarked.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, called for immediate action against lead pollution. "As we confront the silent threat of lead pollution, we are fighting for the health and future of our children and our planet. The time for awareness and action is now. We young people are standing together, raising our voices, and demanding a lead-free Bangladesh," he added.
A recent blood lead level study on 500 children in Dhaka city, conducted by icddr,b in 2022 revealed that all the 500 children whose blood samples were tested, were found to have lead in their blood.
A total of 80 percent of the children had blood-lead level above 5 µg/dL, with an average blood-lead level of 7.6 mcg/dl and highest 36 µg/dL, whereas there is no safe limit of lead in a child’s body.
While sharing the impact of lead on children Md. Musa Baker, Research Investigator, Environmental Health and WASH, icddr,b said, “Lead damages brain of children below five, causing lifelong neurological, cognitive, and physical impairment to them. To build a meritocratic society, there is no alternative to eliminate lead exposure.”
The "International Lead Pollution Prevention Week" is observed globally every October to highlight the dangers of lead pollution.
This year, the United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments, civil society, healthcare workers, and the public to take urgent action to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.