Lead Poisoning in Daily Life: Hidden Health Risks You Should Know

Lead Poisoning in Daily Life: Hidden Health Risks You Should Know

Lead poisoning is often associated with industrial exposure, but many people are unknowingly exposed to lead in their everyday life. This hidden toxin can seriously affect both oral health and overall well-being, especially in children.

What Is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body over time. Even small amounts of lead exposure can cause long-term health issues. Since lead is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, many people are unaware they are being exposed.

Children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals are at higher risk.

Common Sources of Lead Exposure in Daily Life

1. House Paint and Dust

Many paints still on the market contain lead above the legal limit in India. In recent lab tests of paints purchased across India, around 90 % of solvent-based decorative paints exceeded the 90 ppm limit.Cracked or peeling paint releases lead dust, which can be inhaled or ingested by children.

What You Can Do

✔ Choose branded, labeled paints that state they meet lead limits.
✔ Prefer water-based (emulsion) paints over solvent-based enamel paints.
✔ Avoid brightly colored paints (especially yellow/orange) without clear safety labeling.
✔ If your home was painted before 2017, old lead-based paint could still be present — handle chipping or renovation carefully and consider professional testing.

Lead Limit for Household & Decorative Paints in India

Under the Regulation on Lead Contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016, the government prohibits the manufacture, import, export, trade, and sale of household and decorative paints that contain lead exceeding 90 parts per million (ppm) (which is 0.009 % of the non-volatile content of the dried paint film). Paints must be labeled stating that their lead content does not exceed this limit. 

2. Drinking Water Contamination

Old pipelines, lead pipes, or plumbing joints may contaminate drinking water, especially when water remains stagnant overnight.

3. Cooking Utensils and Storage Containers

Certain ceramic, glazed, brass, or aluminum utensils may leach lead into food, particularly when cooking acidic items.

4. Cosmetics and Traditional Products

Some traditional kajal, sindoor, herbal medicines, and cosmetics may contain unsafe lead levels.

5. Toys and Artificial Jewelry

Low-quality toys, imported plastic products, and imitation jewelry may be painted or coated with lead-containing materials.

6. Workplace Exposure

People working in construction, painting, battery manufacturing, or automobile workshops may carry lead dust home unknowingly

7.Traditional medicines and cosmetics like surma/koh

8.Battery recycling and informal industrial units

7. Pencil

Pencils coated with paint.

Effects of Lead on Oral and Dental Health

Lead exposure can also impact oral health, which is often overlooked:

Delayed eruption of teeth in children 

Enamel defects and discoloration

Gum inflammation

Metallic taste in the mouth      

While discussing the growing concern of lead poisoning, it is important to recognize the remarkable contributions of Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh, widely known as the Lead Man of India, whose dedicated efforts and research findings have played a crucial role in raising awareness and driving change.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Dr. Venkatesh emphasizes that no level of lead exposure is safe, particularly for children. Lead can cause:

• Reduced IQ and learning difficulties

• Delayed growth and behavioral problems

• Anemia and kidney damage

• Cardiovascular issues in adults

• Cancer

WRITTEN BY,

 DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.