Kids have higher lead levels in blood

New Delhi: Over 51 per cent of children in metro cities below the age of 12 years have more than the normal lead levels in their blood, a finding that has prompted the Quality Council of India to launch a campaign in schools on the harmful effects of the metal-based paints.

The study, done by National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India (NRCLPI), found more than 51 per cent children have their blood lead level above the normal limit of 10 microgram per decilitre.

Alarmed at the findings, the QCI will conduct a program aimed at checking use of such paints in schools, buses, playground and other areas accessed by children.

Blood lead levels above 10 microgram are known to reduce the IQ during growth and developmental phase of children, the study had said.

Dr Giridhar J Gyani, Secretary General, Quality Council of India, said "People are not yet aware about the harmful effect of lead. It is in benefit of children that the use of this poisonous substance stopped in schools as paints."

According to another study published in an American Journal, "Children are particularly susceptible to lead's toxic effects... Major source of a child being exposed to lead is from the yellow paint which is also widely used on all school buses and at parks."

PTI