Minimizing lead exposure among children: Global appeal

Abstract

Lead is a toxic metal being employed in numerous industries across the world, and is responsible for environmental contamination and multiple adverse health effects during its processing, use, and disposal. The good thing is that all such effects are avoidable, but we are falling short in all possible dimensions. Even though various potential sources of exposure have been identified for environmental contamination or human adverse effects, lead paint is one of the most important ones. From a financial perspective, the use of these paints is associated with both direct and indirect economic costs and is immense in developing nations. Moreover, some nations have already adopted measures to reduce exposure to lead paint, but their practical implementation is lagging in most places. To conclude, lead exposure during childhood has been associated with multiple acute and chronic side effects. It is high time that international stakeholders realize the concern and prioritize it to reduce its level in the environment.