National Desk:
On October 25th, the opening ceremony of the three-day long photography exhibition Solve Lead Pollution, Save Future Generations” was organized. On the occasion of “International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023”, Pure Earth Bangladesh, a US-based non-profit organization has organized this photo exhibition with the technical support of the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). It features nearly a hundred photographs of Pure Earth’s activities related to preventing lead pollution in the field, captured on camera by ten renowned photographers.
The photography exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Razinara Begum, Director, Waste and Chemicals Management, Department of Environment (DoE); and Mohammod Solaiman Haider, Director, Planning, Department of Environment (DoE), and Sadat Anwar, Deputy Program Manager, Planning, Monitoring, and Research (PMR), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Ms. Rajinara Begum, Director, Waste and Chemical Management Division, Department of Environment, said, “Pure Earth’s research-based findings need to be compiled to inform the government and public about the sources of lead pollution and its harmful effects. Initiatives should be taken at the national level to raise awareness in this regard. The Department of Environment will provide maximum cooperation in preventing lead pollution.”
Mr. Mohammod Solaiman Haider, Director (Planning), Department of Environment said, “Pure Earth’s activities in identifying the sources of lead pollution and preventing it are truly commendable. We want future generations to grow up in a world free of lead pollution.”
Anwar Sadat, Deputy Program Manager, Planning, Monitoring, and Research, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said, “Lead pollution is most harmful to children. This photo exhibition by Pure Earth highlights the dire side of lead pollution. Multi-sectoral initiatives should be taken to prevent lead pollution in coordination with all government ministries.”
Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman, Bangladesh Country Director, Pure Earth stated, “Given the profound health and economic toll inflicted by lead exposure in Bangladesh, safeguarding the environment must become a top priority. Pure Earth’s Rapid market analysis of about 200 items in three districts showed the widespread sources of lead in daily commodities such as metallic foodware, ceramic foodware, paint, rice/starch, and toys, posing potentially serious health risks. Strict regulations and increased investment are imperative to further research and implement risk reduction strategies.”
This year’s ILPPW campaign slogan “End Childhood Lead Poisoning” reminds governments, civil society organizations, health partners, industry, and others of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect children’s health.
The exhibition will continue till 27 October at Shilpakala Academy’s 7 number Gallery