Kuakata, Oct 26 (V7N)- To mark International Lead Pollution Prevention Week, an awareness rally and human chain were organized at Kuakata’s tourist center, highlighting the dangers of lead pollution. Youth Net Gabal and Pure Earth Bangladesh led the initiative on Saturday afternoon, with active participation from tourists, teachers, students, tourist police, and leaders from various social and cultural organizations.

The organizers emphasized the severe health impacts of lead, a toxic heavy metal particularly harmful to children and pregnant women. Lead exposure can damage a child’s brain, impair learning and physical growth, and cause other health issues. In Bangladesh, an estimated 36 million children—around 60 percent—are affected by lead poisoning. Common sources of exposure include aluminum and ceramic cookware, wall paint, and toys. Additionally, pollution from unregulated lead-acid battery recycling and smelting plants contributes significantly to environmental lead contamination.

Md. Jahidul Islam, District Coordinator of Youth Net Gabal, outlined five key demands to curb lead pollution:

1. Ban lead in consumer and daily-use products, such as cookware, wall paint, and children's toys.
2. Enforce product safety standards with strict monitoring.
3. Close or convert unsafe lead-acid battery factories and establish a safe recycling system.
4. Identify areas polluted by illegal lead-battery factories, implement monitoring, and clean contaminated regions.
5. Review and enhance current laws on lead pollution, develop new legislation if needed, and promote public awareness to safeguard health and the environment.

This event, held as part of International Lead Pollution Prevention Week (October 20-26), aims to foster greater public understanding and inspire action against lead pollution across Bangladesh.

END/UKH/AJ