Editorial | Poisoned potential
Summary
Millions of Nepalis are exposed to toxic lead through everyday products like toothpaste and sindoor, posing serious public health risks, especially to children. Regulatory failures have allowed unsafe lead levels, calling for urgent government intervention.
Key Points
- A recent study reveals millions of Nepalis are exposed to dangerous lead levels through commonly used products like toothpaste and sindoor.
- 24 percent of product samples exceeded international lead safety limits; some sindoor brands contain lead over 100 times the safe threshold.
- Lead exposure is a critical health threat that affects multiple body systems and can cause lifelong harm, especially in children and fetuses.
- The government must enforce strict lead limits, ban high-risk imports, and improve regulatory oversight to protect public health.
