Mothers, children exposed to lead from spices, toys, and cosmetics, says UNICEF

Study shows high lead exposure harming child brain development across Bangladesh

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has reported elevated lead levels in 38 percent of children aged 12 to 59 months across Bangladesh.

The agency identified food spices, particularly chilli powder, lead-containing paints, children’s toys, and various cosmetics as sources of lead.

This information was shared during a media briefing held at UNICEF House in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Thursday.

The briefing was organised to mark the release of the preliminary findings of the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2025, which was jointly conducted by UNICEF and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

At the briefing, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers said the statistics were obtained by conducting a survey among 10,000 children and 3,000 pregnant women.

She noted that lead levels in pregnant women far exceed permissible limits, posing serious risks to foetal development, and described the concentration of lead in unborn children as extremely alarming.

She said the government would be informed and immediate action urged, calling it a health emergency.

Flowers highlighted that excessive lead exposure is hampering the growth and development of children’s brains, with levels particularly high in urban areas, like 65 percent in Dhaka, and pointed out that globally, deaths linked to lead pollution now exceed the combined mortality from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.

She also drew attention to the high lead content of around 80 percent in surma, a black powder traditionally used as eye makeup, and noted the recent death of 20 cows in Jamalpur after consuming lead-contaminated feed.

Abdullah Fadil, director of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF), said more than 80 million children worldwide are affected by lead poisoning currently.

He noted that this heavy metal can reduce each child’s IQ by 5 to 7 points.

The resulting financial loss is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, he added.

CHILD MARRIAGE

At the briefing, it was reported that 53.1 percent of the country’s pregnant women suffer from anaemia, and around 8 percent have lead levels far above the tolerable limit.

It was also noted that surgical interventions during childbirth have exceeded 75 percent.

The briefing highlighted a staggering number of teenage mothers at 92 per thousand, reflecting the deteriorating health and economic conditions of mothers and children caught in the cycle of child marriage.

Regarding recent pressures to further lower the marriageable age, Flowers called it a cultural practice rather than a religious one, adding that those advocating such changes show no respect for women.

Flowers mentioned an increasing rate of maternal and child deaths, as well as poor nutritional status from child marriage in urban areas.

The report released at the press conference also highlighted family violence against children, noting that 86 percent of children experience some form of violent punishment at home, the highest rate in South Asia.