Lead Exposure Alarms Pakistan as Study Finds Children at Risk

A new government-UNICEF study has raised serious public health concerns in Pakistan after finding that four out of every 10 young children tested in high-risk areas of seven major cities had lead present in their blood. The findings, released in Islamabad, focus on children aged 12 to 36 months living around industrial and environmentally vulnerable zones.

The study was conducted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in partnership with UNICEF. More than 2,100 children were sampled in selected areas of Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, giving authorities a clearer view of how deeply toxic exposure may be affecting early childhood health.

The results showed sharp differences between cities and localities. Hattar in Haripur emerged as the most alarming site, with 88 percent of the sampled children found to have elevated lead levels, while Islamabad recorded a much lower rate of around 1 percent among the children examined in the study area.

Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri said protecting children from lead exposure must be treated as a national public health priority. He said the evidence pointed to the need for coordinated action across health, environmental and regulatory institutions, including stronger surveillance, better enforcement of standards and prevention measures within child health programmes.

UNICEF warned that lead exposure can damage children in multiple ways, including slower growth, anaemia, a weaker immune system and serious harm to brain development. The agency said the impact can include lower IQ, reduced attention span, weaker memory and higher risk of learning and behavioural difficulties.

The study identified several possible sources of lead exposure based on global evidence and local risk conditions. These include industrial emissions, informal battery recycling, lead-based paints, contaminated food and spices, and traditional cosmetics, while weak monitoring and limited public awareness continue to worsen the danger.

UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside stressed that children are especially vulnerable because they can absorb far more lead than adults. She said there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and damage to the developing brain can be lifelong and irreversible.

The findings also carry wider consequences for Pakistan’s social and economic future. Global estimates cited in the report suggest the real burden could be much higher, with lead exposure potentially affecting up to eight in 10 children in the country and causing long-term losses in learning ability and productivity.

Officials and development partners are now expected to push for a stronger multi-sector response involving health departments, environmental regulators, industry oversight bodies and public awareness campaigns. The next steps will be critical, as Pakistan faces growing pressure to improve testing, regulate hazardous sources and protect children before exposure causes permanent harm.