Expanding the investigation for potential sources of lead exposure and poisoning, Pure Earth Bangladesh conducted a Rapid Marketplace Screening (RMS) in 2021-2022 in four major districts: Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal. The preliminary findings show that 96 samples are lead-positive among 367 samples; major sources were aluminum cookware, ceramic foodware, local paints, toys, amulets, pigments, and other non-food items.

In 2016, Pure Earth with a local partner in Bangladesh, the University of Dhaka Department of Geology, began identifying toxic hot spots. Within just 6 months, they found 115  contaminated sites. As of 2021, Pure Earth has identified and assessed more than 300 toxic sites. Based on this data, the World Bank estimates there are more than 1,000 such informal ULAB smelting sites across the country.

In 2018, Pure Earth completed the first known lead remediation in Bangladesh in Kathgora, Savar which resulted in a 35% decline in children’s blood lead levels. In May 2022, the second remediation took place in Mirzapur, Tangail. This remediation project has ensured a lead-free, safe environment for 600+ villagers. Also, 200 children’s blood lead levels were tested and environmental samples were collected and analyzed to further understand the contributing sources of lead pollution.

Pure Earth’s online and offline campaign and advocacy strategy successfully reached about 50 million people and helped to raise awareness and mobilized community members, youth, government officials, and relevant stakeholders to take unified actions to solve lead pollution. Click to know more!