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March
12, 2000 This
was revealed in a collaborative study between International Center for
Diarrhoeal Disease Research; Bangladesh (ICDDRB) and Karnolinska
Institute, Sweden. Head
of the biochemistry department of ICDDRB, M A Wahed presented the study
result in the keynote paper at a seminar on “lead and Cadmium level in
children’s blood (in Dhaka city) an alarming situation” at NIPSOM
auditorium in the city Saturday. The
median blood lead and cadmium in the children of Dhaka city is 177
micro-gram per liter and one micro-gram per liter respectively, the study
revealed. The
median blood lead and cadmium in the children form hospital is, however,
112 micro-gram per liter and 0.1 micro-gram per liter respectively. According
to the WHO, expected high level of lead and cadmium in the blood of
children is 100 micro-gram per liter, said Wahed. Forty-nine
children were randomly selected for the study from three areas in the city
– Tejgaon industrial area, Mohammadpur Ring Road area and Keranjgang –
where most industrial wastes are dumped. Nine children or siblings came to
the ICDDRB hospitals were also selected for the study to use as
comparison. Ages
of children selected for the survey at three city areas are between the
1.5 years and 11 years and at hospital are between 0.6 years and four
years. Their weight at the selected areas is between seven Kgs and 27 Kgs
and at the hospital are 3.7 Kgs and 12 Kgs. The
study showed that the children form Tejgaon have had the highest lead
level in their blood which varies between minimum 164.1 micro-gram per
liter and maximum 267.1 micro-gram per liter. Cadmium level found in the
blood of children at this area is between 0.83 micro-gram per liter. Elevated
blood levels have been reported for children living in industrial
pollution or high traffic intensity with automobiles using leaded
gasoline, the study revealed. Common
sources of lead in the blood of children are leaded containing paint, soil
or dust, surma or kajol and potters, it maintained. The
main source of cadmium in the blood of children is perhaps diet, the
survey result apprehended. Exposure to smoke or passive smoke are also the
sources of cadmium, the study continued. ICDDRB
director, Prof David A Sack was the chief guest and editor of the
Independent, Mahbubul Alam attended the special guest in the seminar. Source:
The Financial Express |