By Charmaine Ndlela

The Gauteng Department of Health is testing toys and paint at Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres to identify potential sources of lead exposure as part of an awareness campaign aimed at protecting children from poisoning.

The initiative coincides with International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from 18 to 24 October 2026 under the theme “From Detection to Prevention”.

The campaign aims to educate communities, parents, caregivers and educators about the dangers of lead exposure, how it occurs and the precautions they can take to protect vulnerable groups.

Lead is a toxic substance that can enter the body through exposure to contaminated dust, paint, toys and other materials containing the metal.

Children are particularly vulnerable because exposure can cause irreversible damage to brain development, affecting learning abilities, behaviour and overall growth.

The effects are not always immediately noticeable, making prevention and early identification essential.

The department said it had received no reports of lead poisoning cases in Gauteng over the past two years, but stressed that continued public awareness and vigilance remained important.

As part of its response, the department investigates reported or suspected exposure, identifies possible sources of contamination and recommends measures to reduce or eliminate the risks.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), lead exposure affects multiple organs and contributes to cardiovascular and kidney disease in adults.

The WHO estimates that more than 3.5 million deaths worldwide were attributable to lead exposure in 2023, primarily due to cardiovascular effects.

This year’s campaign theme highlights the importance of identifying potentially harmful sources of lead before exposure results in serious or irreversible health complications.

The department has urged residents to keep their homes clean and minimise exposure to dust that may contain lead.

Parents and caregivers have been advised to keep children away from toys suspected of containing lead and surfaces with peeling or deteriorating paint.

Workers who handle lead-containing materials have also been urged to follow occupational health and safety procedures, change out of contaminated clothing and footwear before entering their homes, and wash thoroughly to avoid bringing lead dust into their living environments.

Anyone who suspects that they or their children have been exposed to lead, or who experiences symptoms associated with exposure, has been advised to visit their nearest clinic or community health centre for a clinical assessment.

INSIDE EDUCATION

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