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

Kathmandu. The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has expressed serious concern over the detection of lead (a substance harmful to human health) in commonly used toothpastes and various cosmetic products.

The Association demanded that the Government of Nepal strictly regulate the quality of such materials, which could seriously affect the health of the general public, including children, citing a recent study report published by the Center for Public Health and Environmental Promotion (CEPHED) that revealed alarming facts.

In a statement issued today, the NMA stated that the revelation that lead exceeding internationally accepted standards was found in 31% of samples collected from shops in various cities across the country is a serious matter.

It was reported that lead was found in 45% of the samples of toothpastes used daily, and even in some materials available in the market for children. The Association noted that there is scientific evidence that lead exposure in children can cause impediments to intellectual development, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and serious long-term negative effects on the visual, auditory, and nervous systems.