Youth form a Human Chain calling for a Toxic Free Bangladesh: “Ban Lead Paint and Mercury in Dentistry”

Green Club members of ESDO organized a human chain for Public Awareness and Media Campaign demanding “Go For Lead Free Paint” and “Say No To Mercury In Dentistry” on 27th September 2014, in front of National Press Club as a part of GREEN YOUTH CITIZENS project.

Hazardous chemicals are increasingly being used in Bangladesh as industry grows. They are released into the environment during the manufacturing process or during consumer use and end up in the air, soil and waterways and are absorbed or ingested by humans and wildlife. They can interfere with hormone systems leading to reproductive problems in both men and women and can even cause cancer. ESDO is a leading organization in environmental education, policy, advocacy and research in Bangladesh. In 2002 they were the driving force behind Bangladesh for being the first country in the world to ban plastic bags. Dr Shahriar Hossain, ESDO founder, is especially passionate about young people getting involved in environmental action and facilitates this through the Green Youth Citizen Program, funded by the European Commission.  

“The youth are the ones who will have to live with the consequences of society’s actions today. But they also have the ability to carve a more sustainable future.”Said Dr.Shahriar.

The World Health Organisation estimates that lead exposure kills more than 230,000 people a year and causes cognitive effects in one third of all children globally, more than 97% being in the developing world.

Lead has long been recognized as a highly toxic substance with severe health impacts particularly for children.  However in Bangladesh, the lack of regulation surrounding the use of lead in paint has meant that the countries’ children remain exposed to lead concentrations in some cases thousands of times higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization.

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays and mental retardation in children and lead poisoning can result in death in children and adults.  Lead in paint is particularly dangerous for children as they are more sensitive to lead exposure and are more likely to chew painted surfaces or each paint chips containing lead.  Additionally, lead in paint contributes to the build-up of lead in the natural environment, which can have toxic effects on animals and plants.

Posted by admin on Sep 28 2014. Filed under News at Now. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry