Lead Poisoning: The Hidden Indian Epidemic

Lead Poisoning: The Hidden Indian Epidemic Lead poisoning has become an epidemic in developing countries as a result of poor environmental conditions and uncontrolled usage of lead for various purposes. It happens to be one of the most neglected aspects of public health though adequate policies are in place, due to lack of implementation by the responsible authorities in these countries. Limited population data from the pilot study carried out by TGF during 1997-2000 is the only documented information in India. Sources and pathways of lead are well understood, and yet preventive technologies are not in place. Lack of awareness about the health hazards caused by lead amongst the users of lead is seen all over the country. Inadequate facilities to monitor both environmental and biological lead have worsened the scenario in India. Air, water and land (even deep ground water) are highly contaminated with lead. Global policies have not addressed the role of developing countries, and also found to have dual policies for known reasons. Poverty on the one hand, and the burgeoning population on the other have added to the gravity of the hidden problem.

With clear understanding on the mechanisms of biological intervention by lead with other essential trace minerals, of late, nutritional intervention has shown the way to a lead safe environment, especially during the growth and development stages. Lead production is on the rise, and usage is also increasing worldwide. Concentration of lead in our environment is constantly increasing. Even though effective treatment and chelating of lead is possible, the economics of treatment is many folds higher when compared to the cost of preventive measures.