Thiruvananthapuram: Lab to test lead content in blood

Thiruvananthapuram: A city hospital has launched a lead poisoning detection and treatment centre (Lead Research Lab), a first in the state.

The centre at KIMS hospital, recognized by the National Referral Centre for Lead Projects in India (NRCLPI), was inaugurated by Dr Venkatesh Thuppil, popularly known as the Lead Man of India, in presence of Dr M I Sahadulla, chairman and managing director of KIMS.

The centre is equipped with the state of the art technology, lead care II, to determine the blood lead levels (BLL) of patients in all age groups. Results will be made available within five minutes of collecting blood.

Exposure to lead happens from various sources including traditional medicines, which are widely used in Kerala.

Cosmetics, paints and lead-contaminated food is very common in most part of the country.

Children exposed to lead with elevated blood lead levels are likely to have a low IQ apart from disturbed cognitive functions. Regular monitoring of BLL can prevent such neurological damages which are irreversible.

In the elderly, bone and kidney related damages happen due to exposure to lead. Lead acid batteries could be a major source of exposure.