Nepal Medical Association Expresses Grave Concern Over High Lead Content in Toothpastes and Cosmetics

Kathmandu. The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has expressed serious concern over a recent alarming study report published by the Center for Public Health and Environmental Promotion (CEPHED). The association voiced its worry after an excessive amount of 'lead,' an extremely harmful substance to human health, was found in commonly used oral and dental hygiene products, including toothpastes, and various cosmetic items.

Testing of samples collected from various cities across the country revealed that 31 percent of the products contained lead levels exceeding international standards. More surprisingly, lead was detected in 45 percent of the samples of daily-use toothpaste, including products used by children. The association concludes that tampering with such a sensitive issue directly related to the health of the general public, especially children, is extremely serious.

According to the World Health Organization, lead is a fatal element for the human body. Scientific facts indicate that it particularly hinders intellectual development in children, reduces learning capacity, and causes behavioral problems. In the long term, it can cause serious damage to a person's vision, hearing, and nervous system. Doctors warn that finding such a harmful element in products like toothpaste, which are used directly in the mouth, could lead to a major health crisis.

Dr. Sanjib Tiwari, General Secretary of the Nepal Medical Association, issued a statement demanding that the government immediately measure the quality of such materials that seriously affect the health of children and the general public. The association strongly urged the Government of Nepal to strictly regulate the materials available in the market and ban items that violate standards. 

The association demands that the state immediately take steps to protect the citizens' right to life and health security.