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UNICEF says lead poisons up to 800 million kids

A third of the world's children have elevated levels of lead in their blood that could lead to irreversible harm, UNICEF and Pure Earth reported.

Lead paint removal from a home in New Orleans
Lead paint removal from a home in New Orleans (AN/Bart Everson)

GENEVA (AN) — A third of the world's children, far more than previously known, have elevated levels of lead in their blood that could lead to irreversible harm, UNICEF and anti-pollution campaigners Pure Earth reported on Thursday.

Research and data indicate up to 800 million children are exposed to lead by inhaling dust and fumes from used lead-acid battery recycling operations and open-air smelters; eating food contaminated by lead-glazed pottery and lead-infused spices; living in homes with peeling lead paint; or playing near lead-laced electronic waste dumps, the United Nations children's agency and Pure Earth concluded.

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