According to the study, lead pollution has a serious impact on children under five years of age, causing a loss of approximately 20 million (20,596,306) IQ points, and a huge economic cost of US$10,897 million, which is the country’s Is 3.6 percent. Annual Gross Domestic Product.
Lead poisoning in childhood increases the risk of children having reduced intelligence, learning problems, and behavioral disorders.
Lead exposure causes approximately 140,000 (138,054) cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths among adults aged 25 years and older, more than four times the mortality rate previously estimated. The combined cost of these health impacts was US$28,633 million, a loss of 6 to 9 percent of the country’s GDP in 2019.
In Bangladesh, major sources of lead exposure include lead acid battery recycling, lead paint, aluminum cookware, ceramic food utensils, spices, toys, cosmetics, food, electronic waste, fertilizers, and cultured fish feed used in informal settings.
The ‘Lead-Safe Bangladesh Coalition’ is a coalition of organizations in Bangladesh, including members of NGOs, INGOs, the United Nations, researchers, academics and environmental health experts. Members of the coalition expressed their concerns and urged the government and policy makers to take immediate action following their suggested ten-point action plan to address the major pollution crisis. Collectively, they call for increased investment to scale up proven solutions.
