Reducing childhood lead poisoning in Indonesia

Highlights

Exposure to lead is known to negative health effects include decreased IQ, behavioral problems, encephalopathy, anemia, growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, convulsions, coma and death. It is estimated that more than 8 million children in Indonesia have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL), a level which requires action.

The primary known sources of lead exposure for children and adults in the country are from lead-based paints and the recycling of used lead acid battery. In this policy brief, we outline the problem of lead poisoning in Indonesia and make recommendations for actions that Indonesia can take in the following categories: used lead acid battery recycling, lead in paint, recovery and remediation of lead-contaminated sites, and health and education.