Bangladesh stands on the brink of a disastrous situation, with its people risking death due to lead pollution. The lives of growing children are at stake, requiring urgent action.
A New York-based organization called Pure Earth launched a photo exhibition at the Shilpakala Academy in the capital, displaying these harrowing scenes.
For over three years, the organization has researched and raised awareness to combat lead pollution. The exhibition, which commenced on Wednesday and ended on Friday, vividly portrays the horrors of lead pollution.
Rampant environmental pollution, air contamination, soil degradation and water pollution persist unabated. Every year, numerous lives are claimed by the effects of pollution.
Bangladesh currently ranks fourth in the world for lead pollution. This toxic metal results in the deaths of over 138,000 people annually in the country.
Approximately 36 million children suffer because of lead pollution, hindering their physical growth and mental development and putting them at risk of intellectual disabilities.
Pure Earth aims to make the people of Bangladesh feel the impact of this disaster through its exhibition comprising 97 powerful photographs. Each image tells a poignant story: colourful soils tainted by varying levels of lead, burnt tree leaves affected by lead, dying pigeons and stunted children.
Lead spreads through various means, including illegal battery recycling factories, lead-based wall paint, aluminium cookware, ceramic food containers, e-waste, toys, fertilizers, spices, cosmetics and food prepared for farmed fish.
Lead enters the human body through food consumption, skin contact and inhalation. Contaminated ground vegetables, spices (used to make yellow glazes), food cooked in leaded ceramic utensils and market-sold milk all contribute to lead exposure. Additionally, playing in lead-contaminated soil or engaging in any work involving contact with this soil can result in a layer of lead dust settling on the skin and gradually entering the body.
Pure Earth even found lead in children's toys and in 200 household items, including water pipes and ceramic and aluminium utensils. The exhibition showcases photographs of soil, utensils and baby blood testing.
Bushra Humaira Sadaf, senior communications manager at Pure Earth, said: "We are striving to raise awareness about this alarming lead pollution issue. Illegal battery recycling facilities are sprouting across different regions, accelerating the spread of lead pollution. Our work involves conducting soil tests, creating awareness about its effects, and fostering understanding among the affected communities."
The Department of Environment has pledged to combat lead pollution. Rajinara Begum, director of the Waste and Chemical Management Department at the department, stressed the importance of nationwide awareness campaigns about the sources and effects of lead pollution.
She emphasized the need for a coordinated, national-level effort to combat this crisis, with the Department of Environment actively participating in these efforts.
Anwar Sadat, an official from the health directorate, underscored the urgency of multidisciplinary initiatives to address sewage pollution.
He noted: "Children bear the brunt of lead pollution's impact, a stark reality highlighted in Pure Earth's exhibition. Immediate, collaborative efforts across sectors are essential to tackle this issue effectively."
Dr Mahfuzar Rahman, country director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, emphasized the widespread and alarming sources of lead pollution in the country.
He stressed the urgent need for stringent policies and increased investments in this sector to safeguard public health and mitigate risks.