Experts warn that exposure to lead in early childhood can cause irreversible brain damage affecting 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: FILE
According to a study released by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, in collaboration with UNICEF, four out of ten children aged 12 to 36 months living in high-risk areas across seven cities in Pakistan had lead in their blood.
The findings highlight a serious public health concern because lead exposure can stunt growth, cause anemia, weaken the immune system and harm cognitive development. It is also associated with lower IQ, reduced attention span, memory problems, and increased risk of learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
The study included more than 2,100 children residing in high-risk industrial areas of Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, revealing significant variation in exposure levels.
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Children in Hattar, Haripur, were found to be the worst affected, with 88% of them showing elevated blood lead levels, compared to just 1% in Islamabad.
“Protecting children from lead exposure is a national public health priority. The 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 of standards and integrating prevention into child health programs nationwide,” 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.
He noted that risks persist due to gaps in regulatory enforcement, monitoring and public awareness. Global estimates suggest the burden could be considerably higher, with up to eight in ten children in Pakistan potentially affected – among the highest rates in the world.
Lead exposure has also been associated with long-term economic losses, estimated at 6 to 8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product per year.
“Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, making them particularly vulnerable. Lead affects all systems of the body, but its impact on brain development can be devastating and persist throughout life. There is no safe level of exposure to lead for children, and its harmful effects are irreversible,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
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The results were shared at a high-level meeting attended by key stakeholders, during which priority actions were discussed. These include the development of a national action plan to eliminate lead from high-risk products, the establishment of a blood lead monitoring system within child health programs, increased public awareness, the creation of a government-led multi-sectoral task force, and better data collection.
“Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to children’s health and development. It is clear that it has lifelong consequences for learning and productivity. Eliminating exposure requires urgent regulatory action, stronger enforcement, and sustained investment in prevention and child protection systems,” said Abdullah Fadil.
A nationally representative survey is planned later this year to assess lead exposure in children and pregnant women.
