More than 100 million people in India battle the debilitating effects of lead poisoning, according to a recent study by the advocacy group The George Foundation. The disease wreaks its effects mostly on exposed occupational workers, pregnant women, and children, but the harmful results of exposure are preventable, giving researchers like HSPH's Howard Hu hope to stem the phenomenon. Hu, associate professor of occupational medicine in the Department of Environmental Health, has received a Senior Fulbright Scholarship to support research and teaching in India. Lead is a naturally occurring toxic element, and exposure poses a serious threat to children whose neurological systems are still developing.
Some children suffer from brain damage, poor motor skills coordination, and damaged kidneys.
They may have trouble learning new subjects and may exhibit behavioral problems. The effects of lead poisoning are irreversible, however, they can sometimes be ameliorated by non-pharmacological interventions by teachers, physicians, and social workers. Exposure prevention remains the key to ending the disease. According to the World Bank, the most common sources of lead poisoning worldwide are from gasoline additives, soldering, lead-based paints, ceramic glazes, tainted drinking water, and cosmetic and folk remedies. In India, much of the exposure results from leaded gasoline, which remains the fuel of choice in many developing countries because it is cheaper than unleaded gas.