Context
A recent report by the Center for Global Development (CGD) found that many urban schools in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are located close to toxic sites. In New Delhi, nearly 90% of private schools surveyed were found near sites contaminated with lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and pesticides, raising concerns over children’s health.
Explanation
- Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal naturally present in the Earth’s crust, but excessive exposure from human activities makes it a major environmental pollutant.
- Major sources include informal e-waste recycling, lead-acid battery recycling, smelting, mining, paints, industrial emissions and contaminated soil and dust.
- Children are especially vulnerable because they absorb lead more readily, and even low blood lead levels can permanently affect health.
- Lead damages the brain, nervous system, kidneys and cardiovascular system, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioural disorders, anaemia and developmental delays.
- Lead persists in the environment and enters the body through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food, water or dust, and occupational exposure.
- Reducing exposure requires scientific e-waste management, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), safe battery recycling, pollution monitoring, environmental regulations, and regular blood lead surveillance in high-risk populations.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
Lead Pollution: Health Risks and Policy Response in India