"By allowing the circulation of paints with high lead content, we limit the intellectual development of our children and the future of our nation," BaliFokus founder Yuyun Ismawati said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Non-governmental organization (NGO) Balifokus Foundation has called on the government to prevent the production and circulation of paints with high lead content and asbestos dust that are dangerous and widely sold in developing countries.

"By allowing the circulation of paints with high lead content, we limit the intellectual development of our children and the future of our nation," BaliFokus founder Yuyun Ismawati said in a press release received here on Tuesday.

According to Yuyun Ismawati, safe and effective alternatives paints are already used and widely available in Indonesia. Hence, it is important to take measures to reduce lead exposure to children.

Balifokus is focused on its campaign to protect children from the exposure to lead paints and asbestos in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok and Denpasar.

The campaign in Indonesia is part of a series of actions across the world associated with the International Week of Action on Lead Poisoning Prevention (IPPLWA), from 23 to 29 October 2016, which is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

A report on Global Lead Paint found that many decorative paints are still sold in more than 40 countries, and there are still many countries that produce paints with high lead concentrations.

"The health effects of lead exposure on the brains of children are permanent and untreatable," she said.

Meanwhile, Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Factors Determinants of Health (PHE) of WHO, said that lead exposure causes significant harm to human health, especially to the children.

Neira stressed that manufacturers can avoid the use of lead in paints and opt for chemicals which are safer alternatives.

"The best way for countries to ensure the availability of safe paints is by setting regulations in the legislation and mandatory standards, which prohibit the manufacture, import, export, sale or use of lead paints," she explained.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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