A recent joint study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed alarming levels of lead contamination in several everyday products used by Ghanaians, posing serious health risks — particularly to children and pregnant women.

According to the report, lead, a toxic heavy metal, can cause irreversible harm to children’s health and development even in minimal amounts. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage, impaired growth, learning disabilities, and a reduction in intelligence quotient (IQ).

The comprehensive study, which sampled products from all sixteen regions of Ghana, identified multiple sources of lead exposure in common household materials. Among the findings:

80% of traditional eyeliners (locally known as kaji kaji or kholi) contained dangerously high levels of lead.

25% of white baked clay (shire, ayilor, farinkasa), commonly consumed by pregnant women, were found to be contaminated.

42% of turmeric powder and 4% of corn-based “Tom Brown” samples contained traces of lead.

Old plumbing systems and cookware were also identified as potential sources, with lead leaching into drinking water or being released during cooking.

UNICEF emphasised that lead poisoning is entirely preventable, calling for coordinated national action to protect children and families. The agency urged the government to intensify public education, enforce stricter product safety regulations, and promote nationwide screening for early detection.

“Every child deserves a healthy start in life,” UNICEF stated, reaffirming its commitment to working with the Government of Ghana, the FDA, and other partners to eliminate lead exposure and safeguard public health.

The study serves as a wake-up call for stronger regulation, consumer awareness, and urgent measures to reduce environmental and household sources of lead contamination in Ghana.