A recent study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) detected dangerously high levels of lead in children’s toys and other items of daily use in Bangladesh, raising urgent concerns about children’s health and development.

The findings were announced today during a report launch event organized by ESDO at the Asia and Pacific Center for Integrated Rural Development (Cirdap) in the capital.

The study tested 250 children’s items from popular markets including Bashundhara City, Orchid Plaza, New Market and Chawkbazar and found that 157 items contained detectable levels of lead, while 92 items exceeded the safety limit of 90 parts per million (ppm).

Experts say that according to the World Health Organization, there is no safe level of lead in human blood; Any type of exposure is especially dangerous for children because it affects their behavior and ability to learn.

Products ranging from children’s toys to jewelry to make-up were analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, which allows instant measurement of lead content.

The report, titled “Silent Poison: Traces of Lead in Childhood Treasures,” is a follow-up to ESDO’s 2013 study, which found harmful levels of chemicals such as lead, cadmium and phthalates in Bangladeshi toys.

In 2023, ESDO collaborated with Ban Toxics, a Filipino toxicology nonprofit, to re-evaluate toys from Bangladesh, and then in 2024, Ban Toxics experts used XRF to analyze lead levels in children’s products coming directly from local markets in Bangladesh. He conducted field research in . .

In the program, ESDO’s director general, Siddika Sultana, emphasized the serious impact of lead exposure on children’s health.

He said: “This (lead exposure) is particularly concerning for children because their bodies absorb lead more quickly than adults, putting them at risk of permanent developmental, cognitive and physical harm. This crisis urgently requires regulatory action to protect.” “We are young and most vulnerable.”

According to ESDO’s research, an everyday essential such as a children’s cup was found to contain 1,380 ppm lead, 247 ppm arsenic and 1,390 ppm chromium, while a commonly used stationery bag contained 580 ppm lead, 1,280 ppm barium and 1,280 ppm barium. 88 ppm mercury.

One doll set tested with 160 ppm of lead and approximately 1,500 ppm of chromium; This makes a beloved toy potentially dangerous. In another example, a children’s mug contained 220 ppm of lead, 315 ppm of cadmium and 1,680 ppm of chromium, exposing children to potential health hazards with each use.

Even one doll set at a toy store in a well-known shopping mall contained 500 ppm of lead; This shows that even premium retailers are not immune from toxic contamination.

A brightly colored letter in an alphabet set contained 660 ppm of lead; This is concerning because such products are given to young children for early learning and they often put these substances in their mouths.

Speaking to The Business Standard on the subject, consultant and former scientific officer of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dr. Mushtuq Husain said high lead levels can negatively affect children, leading to low IQ levels and behavioral problems. , learning disabilities and anemia.

“The authorities need to investigate how these paints still end up on children’s toys and items of daily use,” he said, as he mentioned that the import of lead-based paints is banned by law in Bangladesh. he said.

Speaking at the event, ESDO Secretary General Dr. Shahriar Hossain emphasized the importance of safe toys for children’s development and said, “Toys play a vital role in children’s growth and learning, but when contaminated with lead, they become a serious risk rather than a benefit.

“Lead exposure in these toys poses an alarming threat to their future health and development. Toys must be lead-free to provide a safe environment for our children to learn and develop.”

Products from countries with weak regulations often contain high levels of lead, according to researchers. While countries such as India, Nepal, Japan and the USA set safety limits for lead, Bangladesh does not have similar regulations.

Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) officials participating in the program said that there are two types of standards: mandatory and voluntary. Although a voluntary standard for toys was established in 2018, they stated that more action was needed.

BSTI Deputy Director Manjurul Karim said, “We are conscious of child safety. We have standards for cosmetics and toys, but for toys it is optional. We will soon discuss formulating standards for children’s mugs and other items.”

ESDO chairman Syed Marghub Murshed emphasized the urgency of taking immediate action to resolve the issue. He said: “The presence of lead in children’s products is a critical threat to public health. We must act quickly to protect our future generations from the serious and permanent harm that lead exposure can cause.”