National Blood Lead Level Survey in Bhutan reveals that 3 out of 4 children tested have blood lead levels that poses serious health risks

25 October 2024
Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, WHO, IPSAHD, and Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, KGUMSB. during launching of first Blood Lead Level Survey.
UNICEF/Bhutan/2024/ISanchez

Thimphu, October 25, 2024. Around 3000 children were selected from different districts in Bhutan in this first-ever National Blood Lead Level (BLL) Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, WHO, IPSAHD, and Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, KGUMSB. The survey also included 124 pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and 207 children in monastic institutions in Bhutan. 

One of the most striking findings of the survey was that 76% of children in Bhutan have blood lead levels of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Additionally, 86% of children from monastic institutions also exhibited concerning lead levels. The issue of lead poisoning is prevalent across all districts, affecting both rural and urban areas and households of varying wealth.

Lead is poison – and no level is considered safe. Lead exposure affects almost every organ in a child’s body, including their hearts, lungs, and kidneys. Perhaps worst of all, it also damages children’s brains before they have a chance to fully develop, and it remain in the brain forever.

Equally concerning is that 59% of women surveyed also had BLLs of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Lead exposure in pregnant women poses not only a direct threat to their own health but also to the health of their unborn children.

“Children are especially susceptible to lead exposure, as they absorb it more readily than adults. Even minimal levels of lead can drastically affect their developing brains and bodies, resulting in lower IQs, academic challenges, and health issues. Importantly, no level of lead in the body is considered safe, “said the Hon’ble Health Secretary, Pemba Wangchuk.

In addition, the Hon’ble Secretary highlighted,” in response to this critical challenge, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with KGUMSB, FNPH, and various government ministries, with support from international partners, is dedicated to implementing strategies aimed at reducing lead exposure. We understand that collective action is essential for safeguarding the health of our children and communities”.

“Lead poisoning is a silent and insidious threat that poses irreversible damage, particularly to children under five. Lead exposure impairs brain development, leading to lifelong cognitive, neurological, and physical challenges... Together, we must prioritize children's environmental health within national development agendas, ensuring that they are at the heart of our efforts to build a sustainable and resilient future”, stated Andrea James, UNICEF Representative.

The survey highlighted multiple potential sources of lead exposures in the country, and association with anemia.

The Ministry of Health and UNICEF call to action to find comprehensive, multisectoral and inclusive solutions to stop the dangerous effects of lead poisoning and solicit the support of pertinent policymakers to develop relevant policies, regulations, and actions to address the sources of lead exposure. As a national urgency, it must ensure that advocacy, BLL screening, and mitigation efforts become an integral part of Bhutan’s broader lead risk reduction strategy.

Widespread lead poisoning not only harms health but also weakens a country’s economy. According to World Bank economists, widespread lead exposure could reduce the GDP of lower- and middle-income countries in South Asia by more than 9%, equating to an annual loss of Ngultrum 21 billion annually for Bhutan. 

Factsheet available: 

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Sonam Pelden
Communication Officer
UNICEF Bhutan
Tel: +975 17929484
Tel: +975 77714217

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