Study Shows 1 in 3 Children Have Dangerous Levels of Lead in Their Bloodstream

A new study done by UNICEF and Pure Earth shows that 1 in 3 children have dangerous levels of lead in their bloodstream. In the study, 800 million children had lead levels of 5 micrograms per deciliter, or more, in their bloodstream.

Lead pollution can cause mental and physical damage and can impair the development the nervous system, the brain, and many vital organs. The longer lead is undetected in the bloodstream the more dangerous it becomes.

The unequivocal conclusion of this research is that children around the world are being poisoned by lead on a massive and previously unrecognized scale.

Nearly one in three children have dangerous amounts of lead in bloodstream: study

The CDC as well as the WHO, have cited inadequate battery recycling as well as open-air smelters as large contributors to lead pollution. The study, in addition to the disposal of lead batteries, pointed to the peeling paint with lead in it, electronic waste dumps laced with lead and food contamination from lead-glazed pottery.

Lead batteries are likely one of the biggest contributors, nearly 85% of all lead used going into battery production. Europe and the U.S recycle more than 95% of their batteries. Unfortunately, developing countries don’t always have the funds or facilities to properly recycle batteries.

Lead air pollution can deposit lead into the soil as well as water systems. Lead in the environment can cause decreased growth and reproduction rates in plants and animals, as well as neurological effects in vertebrates.