Researchers, government officials and representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on July 20 urged journalists at a media workshop held at the Karachi Press Club to raise awareness about childhood lead poisoning, warning that millions of Pakistani children remain at risk from this preventable public health threat.
The workshop, organised by the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan and Commsman Consultants, drew over 30 health and environment journalists from prominent media outlets. Attendees were briefed on the latest findings concerning childhood lead exposure, its primary sources, and the necessary actions required to mitigate risks nationwide.
Professor Dr. Zafar Fatmi from Aga Khan University highlighted that childhood lead poisoning is often a silent issue, with many affected children showing no apparent symptoms while suffering irreversible neurological damage. Dr. Fatmi stressed that there is no safe level of lead exposure, with common sources including deteriorating lead paint, contaminated spices, traditional cosmetics like surma, and informal recycling of lead-acid batteries.
Dr. Humaira Irshad of UNICEF Pakistan shared insights from the Pakistan Childhood Lead Exposure Survey, which examined 2,175 children across seven high-risk cities. Findings revealed that approximately one in four children had elevated blood lead levels, with Karachi showing a particularly high prevalence of nearly 39% among children in high-risk areas. Dr. Irshad pointed out the necessity for a comprehensive national survey to accurately assess the scope of lead exposure across the country.
Abid Hasan, Country Head of LEEP Pakistan, said a national blood lead level survey and source identification study were needed to determine the true scale of the problem and develop a comprehensive action plan. He said Pakistan has already introduced limits on lead in decorative paints and turmeric, while standards for surma are being developed. He added that regulatory efforts had significantly reduced lead contamination in paints and turmeric.
Officials from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Sindh Food Authority highlighted ongoing enforcement against illegal lead-acid battery recycling and lead-adulterated food products, while urging greater public awareness and media support.
Concluding the workshop, speakers called on journalists to produce evidence-based reporting to help raise awareness, strengthen regulatory action and reduce children’s exposure to lead.
