UNICEF hands over Nu 18 mn worth of equipment to help detect dangerous lead exposure in children

2026-02-20 - 07:54

The 2024 National Blood Lead Level Survey found that three out of four children aged 1-6 years have unsafe levels of lead in their blood. Children are especially vulnerable, absorbing lead at four to five times the rate of adults, which can directly impair brain development and long-term cognitive growth. Therefore, lead exposure has emerged as a serious public health concern. Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is widely used in everyday products, from paints and cosmetics to cookware and toys. Despite its common presence, it is highly toxic, and even small amounts can pose serious health risks. The full National Blood Lead Level Survey report in 2025 has revealed widespread lead contamination across Bhutan. The survey analyzed 2,418 samples across 10 categories and found alarming levels of lead in products commonly used by the public. Among 767 Jinlab (sacred pills) samples tested, 44.2 percent exceeded the safety limit of 2.5 parts per million (ppm), with one sample reaching an extremely high 57,233 ppm. Religious items such as incense burners, butter lamps and pendants were also heavily contaminated, with 75.2 percent of 214 items showing detectable lead. In food products, 20 percent of 75 spice samples, particularly turmeric and chilli powder, exceeded safe limits. Of 665 kitchenware items tested, 21.5 percent surpassed lead thresholds, with some metal plates, bowls and cups registering levels in the tens of thousands of ppm. Household hardware such as handles, knobs and latches frequently contained high lead levels, posing risks to young children. About nine percent of toys and school-related items tested were above safety limits, while soil and paint samples showed notable contamination in areas where children are active. Cosmetics tested in smaller numbers also contained unsafe lead levels. The findings indicate that lead exposure in Bhutan is not limited to a single source but is pervasive across religious, domestic, food and consumer environments, increasing the risk of chronic exposure, particularly among children. Lead exposure can damage multiple organs, including the brain, kidneys, and heart, and is particularly harmful to children, whose developing bodies and brains absorb it more readily. Chronic exposure can result in cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and other long-term health problems, making it a critical public health concern. Recognizing the serious threat that lead exposure poses, especially to children, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is strengthening its capacity to detect and prevent contamination. As a part of these efforts, the ministry received lead testing equipment worth Nu 18 million (USD 199,711) from UNICEF, supporting Bhutan’s push toward becoming lead-free. UNICEF said the contribution follows Bhutan’s reaffirmation at its high-level side event “Toward a Lead-Free Future” during the 80th UN General Assembly in 2025, where Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay called for urgent global action on high-end childhood lead poisoning. Additionally, the 2024 National Blood Lead Level Survey in Bhutan found that 76 percent of young children have unsafe blood lead levels, with contamination detected in everyday items. For developing countries like Bhutan, lead exposure results in an estimated loss of nearly 9 percent of the national GDP. The MoH says this translates to an annual loss of around Nu 22-25 billion in Bhutan due to lead poisoning. The 2024 National Blood Lead Level Survey also included 124 pregnant and breastfeeding women, 207 children under 13 from monastic institutions, and 128 other household members. Even though the survey included just 2,959 individuals, the results were concerning The survey revealed that three in four children aged 1-6 years (75.9 percent) had blood lead levels of 3.5 μg/dL or higher. Unlike global trends, which show a decline in lead levels as children grow, Bhutan’s data indicates persistently high exposure across all age groups. Among pregnant and breastfeeding women, 58.9 percent showed signs of lead poisoning. Alarmingly, 86 percent of children in monastic institutions, who would normally have lower exposure as they age, tested positive for lead. Household items also showed high contamination, with 80 percent affected, highlighting widespread domestic exposure risks. The Bhutanese reported that growing concerns over lead exposure and its health risks made it a key topic at the 5th National One Health Symposium held in Tsirang last year. One of the key presentations at the symposium was delivered by Dr Mongal Singh Gurung, Head of Bhutan Health Management and Information System (HMIS) and Research at MoH. He stressed that while everyone is at risk, children are particularly vulnerable, absorbing lead at four to five times the rate of adults. “When lead enters a child’s bloodstream, it directly affects brain development,” he said. Children and young people are particularly at risk, as lead exposure can result in decreased IQ, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Explaining the impact on brain function, Dr Mongal described how the human brain consists of 86 billion neurons, each forming hundreds of trillions of connections. He explained that when we think, neurotransmitters relay signals between neurons, but lead disrupts this process by interfering with these connections, ultimately reducing intellectual capacity. To tackle these risks and strengthen Bhutan’s response to lead exposure, new testing equipment has been provided. The UNICEF states, “The new equipment will enhance environmental and product testing, generate reliable data, and monitor compliance with safety standards.” According to UNICEF, the equipment includes three XRF analyzers for rapid detection of lead in paint, soil, dust, and consumer products; five Lead Care II analyzers for quick and cost-effective blood lead testing with on-site results; four Rad-67 pulse oximeters for non-invasive monitoring of hemoglobin levels in children and pregnant women; and related reagents and consumables for continued monitoring. All equipment have been verified, documented, and packaged for safe use in line with WHO pre-qualification standards. XRF, or X-ray fluorescence, is a technology that measures the concentration of lead in surfaces such as paint and other materials. Most tests are completed in under 10 seconds, providing quick, real-time results. These handheld devices deliver highly accurate readings within seconds and can detect lead concentrations as low as 0.5 percent. Led by the MoH, UNICEF and its partners are integrating lead testing into routine surveillance, strengthening regulations, and using data to guide standards and enforcement. Globally, lead poisoning affects one in three children, contributes to an estimated 3.45 million deaths each year, and costs the global economy at least USD 1.4 trillion in lost productivity. MoH has drafted the National Lead Prevention Strategy and regulatory framework, which are currently awaiting final approval.