Apple Daily, May 10, 2010 [Ning Weiyu, Wang Yushu / Taipei Report]

A recent survey found that blood lead levels in Taiwanese children are rising, with infants and toddlers under six being the most at-risk group. Doctors warn that lead can damage brain development in young children, lowering IQ. Experts urge the public to replace lead water pipes in homes, ban lead-based paint in school and park playground equipment, and choose toys and stationery that do not peel or chip.

**Latest Survey**

Local governments in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung stated that lead-based paint is rarely used in park facilities. The Ministry of Education said it would consult with the Bureau of Standards, if necessary, to establish regulations on lead-based paint for playground equipment in schools.

**More Prone to Lead Absorption Than Adults**

From January 2006 to June 2009, Linkou Chang Gung Hospital tested blood lead levels in over 1,200 individuals under 18. Dr. Ning Xiaozhen, director of the hospital’s Department of Laboratory Medicine, noted that the U.S. defines lead poisoning in children as blood lead levels exceeding 10 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter). Recent studies suggest levels above 5 µg/dL may impair brain development.

The survey found an average blood lead level of 2.94 µg/dL among participants, with 10 exceeding 10 µg/dL (the poisoning threshold). The proportion of those above 5 µg/dL rose from 5.1% in 2006 to 7.8% in 2009, while the average level increased from 2.5 µg/dL to 3 µg/dL.

**Call to Ban Lead Paint in Schools**

Worryingly, most cases of elevated blood lead levels were in children under six. Dr. Ning explained that lead is primarily absorbed through ingestion or inhalation, with infants aged six months to six years being the most vulnerable. "Children absorb lead three to five times faster than adults, and lead can severely damage the central nervous system, affecting intelligence."

Dr. Lin Jieliang, head of the hospital’s Clinical Toxicology Department, warned that peeling lead-based paint on toys or playground equipment can be inhaled by children. If they eat without washing hands, bite their fingers, or chew on toys or stationery, they may ingest lead. He emphasized that there is no safe threshold for blood lead levels—lower is better, ideally zero—and urged a ban on lead-based paint in parks and schools.

Chen Jieshan, director of the Bureau of Standards, Inspection and Metrology, said toys and stationery are tested according to regulations. Products exceeding the national standard of 90 ppm (parts per million) for lead content are destroyed.

Deputy Director Huang Laihe noted that about 20% of toys fail heavy metal (lead and chromium) tests, with Chinese-made products having higher failure rates. The bureau will continue strengthening inspections.

Ms. Wu, a Taipei resident with a six-month-old daughter, said lead’s severe impact on children necessitates strict government oversight of facilities and toys.

**Preventing Lead Exposure**

- Avoid playground equipment with peeling paint; wash hands after play.
- Prevent children from chewing on printed or peeling pencils or toys (left image).
- Check and replace old lead pipes at home.
- Keep children away from roadside play to avoid inhaling lead dust.
- Wash or peel fruits before eating (right image).
- Avoid unverified traditional remedies or medicines.
- Adults in lead-related industries should not wear work clothes home.
- Parents concerned about exposure can have children aged 3–6 tested; if abnormal, eliminate the lead source.

*Sources: Dr. Ning Xiaozhen, Dr. Lin Jieliang*