Nepalese children are under severe threat of chemical exposure. There is only one chance to develop the brain of the children. Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) aims to protect 1,000 children otherwise exposed to chemicals contained in toys and ensures their right to play safe and enhance effectiveness of toys standard. Exposure to chemicals damage physical, mental and intellectual growth thus reduces children`s economic potential throughout their life and walefare.
Nepalese children exposed to harmful chemicals while playing toys, many homes and schools have dangerous levels of lead coming from toxic toys, paints that become airborne dust. These chemicals damage developing brain, impairing their future success thus needs to be protected. Studies have shown elevated blood lead level (>5 microgram/dl) among 64 % children; 54 % of tested toys contain Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium & Bromine and over 77% classroom dust contains high lead (>10 microgram/ft2).
Our research leads standards formulations that limits toxic chemicals in toys and paints. Unfortunately, there are still many toys in market contain harmful chemicals. Testing toys and result dissemination to public, parent and children will prevent exposure thus protect them and ensure their right to play safe by taking informed decision of playing with safer toys and using lead safe paint. Children have access to safer toys, reduced environment burden and enhanced implementation of standard.
Identifying and removing toxic toys will benefit Nepalese youth and the long-term economic well-being of the nation. Nepalese children will be able to grow healthy, learn and thrive free from chemical contamination. By reaching their full potential, these children will positively contribute to sustainable developing economy and be productive members of the workforce and society. This will also help towards effective implementation of toys standard that will ensure better health and well-being.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
