Lead levels reach dangerous levels in people of Jharkhand, affecting mental health of children

Lead poisoning is affecting the health of a large population in Jharkhand. Lead is not only causing neurological disorders in small children, but is also having adverse effects on the health of pregnant women and other human organs including kidneys. Pregnant women have trouble breathing due to excess lead. Besides, the digestive system is also being affected. This has come to light in the joint report of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), NITI Aayog and UNICEF of the Government of India. In this, Jharkhand is at fourth place in the country. The amount of lead in the people here has reached dangerous levels.

In mineral-rich areas, the level of lead in the blood is more than 8.15 micrograms-deliter, whereas its level should be three or less. After the review by NITI Aayog, concern about excess lead has increased among the people of Jharkhand. Seeing the seriousness of this matter, Dr. Thuppi Venkatesh, Director of National Referral Center for Lead Poisoning in India (NRCPLI), Bengaluru, is coming to Jharkhand to know the ground reality.

Formation of high level state task force in Jharkhand

Now a high level state task force has been formed in Jharkhand to eliminate or reduce the amount of CC present in the environment due to long-term mineral exploration. A complete report will be prepared on the basis of how much lead present in the environment in such areas is capable of causing harm to health (especially maternal and child health). At the same time, Preventive and Community Social Medicine (PSM) department of RIMS will be made State Resource Center (SRC). A second center will be built in the mineral rich areas of Jamshedpur. It will serve as the secretariat of the state task force for lead poisoning.

The task force includes: Principal Secretary of Health Department, Joint Secretary of NHM, Additional Mission Director, Director Major Health Services, HOD PSM RIMS, Director of National Referral Center for Lead Poisoning in India (NRCPLI), Bengaluru, General Manager (Administration) of Central Mine Scheme, CMPDI. Secretaries of concerned departments including GM (Administration), Coal India Limited.

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Even small amounts of lead in the body can cause serious health problems. Lead accumulation over months or years can lead to lead poisoning. Young children are more at risk of this type of problem. Can seriously affect the mental and physical development of children.

Dr. Sumant Mishra, Senior Advisor, U-Said SAMVEG

In places where lead pollution is high, the lives of people there may also be in danger. To find out how lead poisoning can cause health problems, certain specific places will be identified and drinking water, edible items, air and blood samples will be tested.

Dr. Vidyasagar, HOD, PSM, RIMS

Work of the task force:

State Level Task Force for recycling of drinking water, food items, pan-masala, ceramic items, ceramic glaze, paint, painted toys, batteries or metal related construction sites in the state. The toxicity of lead will be detected by testing. At the same time, possible sources will be identified and work will be done on its control and prevention. Also, work will be done to remove accumulated lead from the body.

Unleaded oil being sold at petrol pumps: Earlier, tetraethyl lead was added to petrol to reduce the problem of engine knocking. However, at present unleaded oil is being sold at most petrol pumps in Jharkhand.

America bans toys made in China: America completely banned the import of toys made in China (metal).