"Silent Hazard: Uncovering the Health Risks of Lead Paint in Indonesia’s Homes
A World Bank report reveals that nearly 45% of Indonesians are exposed to lead from household paint, endangering millions, especially children, with severe health and cognitive risks. Urgent regulatory action is recommended to transition from voluntary to binding standards to safeguard public health.
CoE-EDP, VisionRI | Updated: 08-11-2024 16:06 IST | Created: 08-11-2024 16:06 IST
A World Bank report by researchers William Seitz and Imam Setiawan from the Poverty and Equity Global Practice reveals an urgent health crisis in Indonesia, where lead-based paint in homes is dangerously common, exposing millions to a toxic threat. The study indicates that lead poisoning remains a largely unaddressed issue in the country, with grave implications for human capital, especially among young children. Nearly 45% of Indonesians, approximately 123 million people, are living in homes with interior lead-based paint, putting them at risk of the harmful effects of lead exposure, a toxin that has been associated with cognitive, behavioral, and physical health problems. Children are particularly vulnerable, with around 10.2 million Indonesian children under the age of five residing in homes where lead-based paint is used. This exposure threatens their cognitive development, intelligence, and educational outcomes. The effects of lead poisoning include permanent brain damage, decreased IQ, attention deficits, and behavioral issues. Pregnant women exposed to lead face additional risks, such as miscarriages, low birth weight, and developmental problems in their unborn children.
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