As of 31 December 2021, 84 countries – comprising 43% of all countries – have legally binding controls to limit the production, import and sale of lead paints. In the majority of countries worldwide, using lead paint in homes and schools is not prohibited, creating a significant risk of children’s …
Young children are at risk of serious health problems from toxic materials found in toys widely available in the capital city. A recent study, undertaken by the Environment and Social Development Organisation, identified high levels of lead, cadmium, bromine and chromium in all but one of 40 toys that were …
This report, Global Chemicals Outlook, compiled by UNEP in cooperation with international experts, is designed to inform governments and industry on trends in chemicals production, use and disposal, while offering policy advice aimed at meeting the 2020 goal. It focusses particularly on the challenges and opportunities facing developing nations. The …
Bangladesh has approved the commercial cultivation of transgenic Bt brinjal, becoming the first country in South Asia to cultivate the genetically modified food crop. Read more in this November 2013 edition of the Monthly Bangladesh State of the Environment Report published by the South Asia Environment Portal. Read and Share. …
Lead concentration as high as 1,60,000 parts per million (ppm) was detected in a sample of 250 cans of oil-based (enamel) house paints, a study has found. Lead, which is added to paints in order to increase its their durability, speed up their drying and maintain their appearance, is known …
The researchers studied blood samples of a total of 284 children aged between 20-40 months and found high levels of lead in 80% of the samples High levels of lead in turmeric has emerged as a big health threat for thousands of children in Bangladesh. A recent research conducted in …
A recent study found presence of a high level of lead in blood of 80 per cent children of Sirajdikhan upazila in Munshiganj. The study also found a high level of lead in turmeric powder used in preparing foods at the upazila. Dhaka Community Medical College Hospital, at a press …
Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland have published the 2013 report of the world's worst polluted places, The Top Ten Toxic Threats: Cleanup, Progress, and Ongoing Challenges. The report presents a new list of the top ten polluted places and provides updates on sites previously published by Blacksmith and Green …
While activists against sound pollution are demanding a ban on crackers exceeding the permissible noise levels in cities like Mumbai, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) officials said Bangaloreans needn't harbour any worries on this front. Dr B Nagappa, scientific officer, KSPCB, said the sound bar for crackers in Mumbai …
The Environment Friendly Local Governance Framework 2013 that was approved by the Nepal Cabinet recently is being implemented in all local bodies from the current fiscal year. Read more in this October 2013 edition of the Monthly Nepal State of the Environment Report published by the South Asia Environment Portal. …
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is planning to revive its three-year-old project for setting up an electronic-waste (e-waste) disposal facility. There is an urgent need to set up this facility as e-waste generated by the city is piling up faster due to electronic devices getting obsolete sooner following rapid …
The amount of lead used in paints by Nepali companies is mostly unsafe and poses a serious threat to children’s health, according to a recently launched report. The report published by the Centre for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) claims that most Nepali companies including some renowned brands are …
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) is devising a legal provision to set a level of lead content in paints to address the health hazards resulting from excessive use of the metal. Speaking at a programme organised to mark the “International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action,” Senior …
Diwali is likely to push up toxicity in Kolkata's air to an unprecedented high early next month. According to projections by the state pollution control board (PCB) and green NGOs, the city could record a suspended particulate matter (SPM) count five times higher than the permissible limit. Poisonous gases and …
About six lakh children are found to develop some kind of intellectual disability every year because of exposure to the heavy metal lead. The highest burden of deaths caused by lead exposure is in developing countries, with the global death toll standing at 1, 43,000. This is what led the …
Heavy metals leaching out from former mine workings in Cumbria are being removed as part of a £1m pilot project. Newcastle University said the scheme being tested at the disused Force Crag mine, west of Keswick, was the first of its size in the UK. Three tonnes of zinc, cadmium …
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has constituted a team of scientists to conduct a year-long study of the pollution problem affecting Cuncolim industrial estate. The team will submit an interim report within three months. The team has been asked to identify specific existing or emerging water quality problems …
Under the provisions of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the CPCB has notified fourth version of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2009. This revised national standard aims to provide uniform air quality for all, irrespective of land use pattern, across the country. There are …
A recent study has shown high levels of lead in fish samples collected from different parts of the city. Lead exposure, according to experts, can damage the nervous system and cause brain disorders at a certain contact degree. The research titled Determination of heavy metals pollution in 10 fish species …
The Prime Minister’s Office directed stakeholders on Tuesday to ban the import of toys without labels providing details on the manufactured goods and develop a standard for the toxics used in the items. A study had found that 54 percent toys in the market contained toxics such as lead, cadmium …
There is an alarming increase of cases of lead poisoning across the country. Across our major cities, doctors are expressing concern at this “silent epidemic”. Officials from SRL Diagnostics claimed that they receive 600 samples every month for Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy which detects metal content in human body fluids. From …
