News Desk
ISLAMABAD: A joint report by Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and UNICEF has found lead in the blood of children across multiple cities, raising serious public health concerns. The findings show widespread exposure, particularly among toddlers aged one to three years.
The report stated that blood samples were collected from children in Islamabad, Haripur, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi to assess exposure levels. Health experts warned that the results highlight an urgent environmental and health risk for young children.
According to the findings, four out of every ten children aged one to three were found to have lead in their blood, making early childhood exposure a major concern. The report said this age group is especially vulnerable to long-term health effects.
City-wise data showed sharp differences in contamination levels. The highest exposure was recorded in Hattar, Haripur, where 88 per cent of tested children were found to have lead in their blood, making it the most affected area among those surveyed.
In contrast, Islamabad showed significantly lower levels, with only one per cent of children affected. Other cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, were also included in the study, though detailed city-wise percentages were not provided.
The report, jointly prepared by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, stressed the need for stronger monitoring of environmental risks and urgent action to protect children from toxic exposure during early development.
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