A recent study conducted in the United States concluded that the levels of lead found in consumer products represent an imminent health risk, especially for children, despite the tireless efforts being made to reduce the levels of this dangerous metal in the products that consumers generally use.
A research team from Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, concluded that consumer products are a major source of lead to which children are exposed, which results in an increase in the percentage of lead in the blood.
The researchers confirmed that consumer products were the source of lead in a percentage ranging between 15 and 38% of cases.
The study found that levels of lead found in children’s toys, cosmetics, spices, and some foods imported from abroad can harm the heart, kidneys, and nervous system of the body. Indeed, small percentages of this metal can affect brain development in children.
The research team confirmed in statements transmitted by the “Health Day” website, which specializes in medical research, that removing lead from gasoline and paint materials is considered a major success in efforts to protect public health, but more effort must be made and steps must be taken, such as enacting laws in the United States and the world. Collect and develop a database to track the risks of lead exposure.
The researchers believe that “ensuring that consumer products are free of lead, reducing reliance on this metal in industry and production, as well as eliminating products that contain levels of lead, are all important steps to preserve the health of consumers.”