Mon Sep 23 21:15:01 UTC 2024: ## Global Lead Poisoning Crisis: Turmeric Takes Center Stage in Bangladesh

**Dhaka, Bangladesh –** A global public health crisis is unfolding, with an estimated 800 million children worldwide suffering from lead poisoning, according to UNICEF and Pure Earth. While the problem has been recognized for decades, recent investigations have uncovered a disturbing culprit: lead contamination in spices, particularly turmeric, used by millions in Bangladesh and beyond.

This revelation was the result of a multi-year, multi-country investigation led by two women: New York City detective Paromita Hore and California Ph.D. student Jenna Forsyth. Both were independently working on lead poisoning cases, and each discovered a surprising link to turmeric.

Hore’s team at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene noticed a disproportionate number of Bangladeshi children in the city testing positive for lead. Meanwhile, Forsyth was studying data from pregnant women in rural Bangladesh, discovering alarmingly high lead levels in their blood.

Both investigations led them to investigate turmeric. Forsyth’s team found lead in both turmeric powder and turmeric roots, and the chemical fingerprint of the lead matched the lead in the women’s blood. They traced the source back to a practice dating back to the 1980s, when Bangladeshi farmers began adding lead chromate (a yellow pigment commonly used in industrial paint) to their turmeric roots to make them appear more appealing to buyers.

The discovery was a shock, as turmeric is a staple in Bangladeshi cuisine. The Bangladeshi Food Safety Authority acted swiftly, launching a public awareness campaign, confiscating lead-tainted turmeric, and holding workshops to educate farmers and mill owners about the dangers of lead.

The impact of this intervention has been remarkable. Forsyth’s team reported a significant drop in lead levels in both turmeric samples and the blood of local farmers and pregnant women.

However, the fight is far from over. Lead poisoning remains a serious threat in Bangladesh and other developing nations. While turmeric is no longer a significant source of lead exposure, there are other sources, including lead-contaminated cosmetics, cookware, and batteries.

The global community is finally beginning to take action against this silent epidemic. UNICEF and USAID have launched a new $150 million initiative to combat lead poisoning worldwide. This initiative aims to eliminate lead from consumer products and ensure that children are safe from this preventable health crisis.

Forsyth, Hore, and other lead experts remain vigilant, determined to uncover the remaining sources of lead contamination and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations around the world. This investigation highlights the importance of international collaboration and the urgent need for a global effort to address this devastating public health issue.

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