CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Now, a central report has found that India bears the world’s highest health and economic burden due to lead poisoning. The report, prepared jointly by government think tank Niti Aayog and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), was published in July this year.

Detailed explanation-2: -In India, lead is found in adulterated spices, cookware, paint, traditional medicines and cosmetics, as well as in areas where lead-acid batteries are recycled and repaired. It is imperative to remove lead contamination from our environment to protect our children and their growth.”

Detailed explanation-3: -It had found India to be home to a major chunk of children (275,561,163 of the 800 million) poisoned by lead globally. Most affected states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and loss of sex drive. Most adults with lead poisoning don’t look or feel sick.

Detailed explanation-5: -The effects of lead poisoning aren’t reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child’s home or environment.