Vigilance vs products containing lead sought

In line with the celebration of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action from Oct. 23 to 29, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sought vigilance against products containing the harmful substance.

Only 62 governments have confirmed that they have legally binding control measures on lead paints as of June 30, the WHO said.

“Clearly, more work is needed on this issue, and International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week provides an opportunity to mobilize political and social commitment for further progress,” the WHO said.

This year’s event is primarily focused on the elimination of lead paint.

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. Yet the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has estimated that in 2013, lead exposure accounted for 853,000 deaths and 16.8 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) due to long-term effects on health.

The highest burden is in developing regions. Of particular concern is the role of lead exposure in the development of intellectual disability in children.

“Even though there is wide recognition of this problem and many countries have taken action, exposure to lead, particularly in childhood, remains a key concern to health care providers and public health officials worldwide,” WHO added.

An important source of lead exposure, particularly in children, is paint containing high levels of lead. These paints are still widely available and used in many countries for decorative purposes, although good substitutes without lead are available.

The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance) was formed in 2011 to promote the phase-out of the manufacture and sale of paints containing lead and eventually to eliminate the risks that such paints pose.