June 6, 2008 - The presence of high levels of the toxic metal lead in household dust might have adverse health effects mainly in children, a nongovernment group called Toxic Links has warned. 

Lead is a highly toxic chemical that leads to lead poisoning if ingested by children. Some symptoms of lead poisoning include neurological issues that can hamper learning and affect the normal behavioral patterns in children

Toxics Link is an environmental group based in Delhi. The organization surveyed 57 households in Delhi. Dust samples were taken from floor and windowsill and tested for the presence of lead. Some 31 percent floor dust samples contained lead, and 14 percent of the windowsill dust samples had appreciable lead content, the NGO revealed.

"India must legislate the removal of lead from products such as paints and toys to ensure a healthy future generation," said Ravi Agarwal, the director of Toxics Link.

The source of lead is often paint used in older homes as well as that used to surface coat certain types of toys. Since leaded petrol was banned in 2000, toys and paints have become the leading source for the chemical.

Lead is dangerous in kids because children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects including.
    * Damage to the brain and nervous system
    * Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)
    * Slowed growth
    * Hearing problems
    * Headaches

Other symptoms of lead poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, anemia, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, constipation, irritability, fatigue, constipation, difficulty sleeping, headaches and coma.

Toxics Link said that lead levels may be high in other cities as well and called upon the government to act quickly.