Washington, Aug 15 (ANI): A new study has reported that children living near lead battery manufacturing and recycling industries in developing countries had approximately 13 times more lead in their blood than American children.
It highlights the hazards of lead battery manufacturing and recycling operations in emerging markets.
The researchers also found workers in this industry in developing countries had approximately three times higher blood lead levels than battery workers in the U.S.
Lead levels in the air inside lead battery plants in developing countries were seven times greater than the levels permitted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
"Children and workers in developing countries face significant risks of lead poisoning, which can cause lifelong health problems," said Perry Gottesfeld, executive director of Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) and author of the study.
Lead poisoning causes numerous adverse health effects, including damage to the central nervous system, the kidneys, the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system.
In children, blood lead concentration is associated with learning impairments, as well as hyperactive and violent behaviour.
The findings appear in the September issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. (ANI)
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