A study conducted by Toxics Link, a non government organization (NGO) in Delhi, revealed that household dust, collected from Delhi homes, carried high levels of lead, which may have serious effect on the health of its residents.

Representatives of Toxics Link stated that the high levels of lead may be common in other Indian cities as well.

The study was based on the dust samples collected from 57 households in Delhi. Harmful substances were found in samples, which were collected from the floor and the windows.

Dust from the floor had 31% lead while dust form the windows had 14% lead.

More than 31% floor dust samples contained levels of lead, and 14% of the samples of windowsill dust were also found to contain the harmful substance.

Since leaded petrol was banished in the year 2000, the study results pointed out an alternative source of the dreaded element -- paints and toys.

Therefore, the Indian government needs to do more to bring about a healthy environment for the children.

Toxics Link director Ravi Agarwal, said, “India must legislate the removal of lead from products such as paints and toys to ensure a healthy future generation.”

A highly toxic metal, lead exposure in children affects their nerves, intestines, blood and the brain. The main sources of lead poisoning in children are considered to be paint chips, contaminated dust and soil.