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Lead heavy

  • 30/07/1998
  • WHO

a recent study has shown alarming levels of lead in the schoolchildren of Delhi. The study was jointly funded by the World Health Organisation and the ministry of environment and forests. Nearly 56-72 per cent of the school children were found having higher levels of lead in their blood. The safe lead level in the blood is 100 micrograms per litre.

High levels of lead in the blood can cause anaemia, hypertension and peripheral neuropathy in which the patient is likely to suffer from nervous breakdowns. The natural growth of a child may be hampered if lead is present in the system in high doses.

The project titled "Pilot study of plumbism in selected schoolchildren' shows that many children in areas where the level of lead was low, have been found with significant levels of lead their blood.

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