India, Oct. 21 -- A new study estimates global yearly losses from childhood lead exposure at $3.4 trillion, or 2% of global GDP.

Despite the ban on leaded petrol, contamination persists through unsafe recycling, paints, toys and food products.

Low- and middle-income countries bear the heaviest burden, with millions of children exposed to toxic levels.

Researchers call for urgent action to eliminate unsafe sources and strengthen monitoring and community involvement.

A new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment has found that lead exposure continues to pose a serious public health and economic challenge in the 21st century, despite the global phase-out of leaded petrol.

The research estimates that the global ...