Experts warn that early childhood lead exposure can cause irreversible brain damage that affects learning and behavior
It says children around the world continue to die at an alarming rate, with 5.6 million deaths recorded last year. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
According to a study published by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in collaboration with UNICEF, four out of ten children aged between 12 and 36 months living in high-risk areas in seven cities of Pakistan had lead in their blood.
The findings highlight a serious public health problem, as lead exposure can stunt growth, cause anemia, weaken the immune system and negatively affect cognitive development. It is also associated with lower IQ, reduced attention span, memory problems, and an increased risk of learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
The study sampled more than 2,100 children residing in high-risk industrial areas of Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, and revealed significant variation in exposure levels.
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Children in Hattar, Haripur, were the most affected: 88% had elevated blood lead levels, compared to just 1% in Islamabad.
“Protecting children from lead exposure is a national public health priority. Evidence highlights the urgent need for coordinated action across health, environmental and regulatory systems. The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening surveillance, improving enforcement and integrating prevention into child health programs across the country,” said Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri.
According to the study, potential sources of lead exposure include industrial emissions, informal battery recycling, lead-based paints, contaminated foods and spices, and traditional cosmetics.
It noted that risks persist due to gaps in regulatory enforcement, monitoring and public awareness. Global estimates suggest the burden may be significantly higher, with up to eight in ten children in Pakistan potentially affected, one of the highest rates globally.
Lead exposure has also been linked to long-term economic losses, estimated at 6 to 8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product annually.
“Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, making them especially vulnerable. Lead affects all systems in the body, but its impact on the developing brain can be devastating and last a lifetime. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and its harmful effects are irreversible,” said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside.
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The findings were shared at a high-level meeting attended by key stakeholders, where priority actions were discussed. These include developing a national action plan to remove lead from high-risk products, establishing a blood lead surveillance system within children’s health programs, increasing public awareness, creating a government-led multi-sector task force, and improved data collection.
“Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to child health and development. The evidence is clear that it has lifelong consequences for learning and productivity. Eliminating exposure requires urgent regulatory action, stronger enforcement, and sustained investment in child prevention and protection systems,” said Abdullah Fadil.
A nationally representative survey is planned later this year to assess lead exposure among children and pregnant women.
