ABOUT NRCLPI

The National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India is a non-profit joint undertaking of St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, and The George Foundation (visit www.tgfworld.org), both of Banaglore. NRCLPI will carry out the following activities:

  • Provide updated information on all aspects of lead poisoning through its website: www.leadpoison.net.
  • Offer a referral and confirmatory lead testing service for blood samples received at the Centre from anywhere in India.
  • Disseminate relevant information on lead poisoning to government authorities, NGOs, clinicians treating lead poisoned cases and other institutions concerned, and create awareness among the general public through education, documentation and media communication.

In carrying out the above functions, NRCLPI will concentrate on the following:

  1. Screen for lead poisoning by evaluating blood lead levels using established international standards and protocols.
  2. Provide consultancy services to employees of lead based industries in evaluating, monitoring and eliminating workplace lead poisoning.
  3. Maintain a national database of lead poison levels in different segments of the population, and disseminate information pertaining to the current status of the problem to all concerned governmental agencies and other institutions.
  4. Provide adequate information to clinicians treating cases of lead poisoning.
  5. Organize training programs for healthcare organizations on prevention and early detection of lead poisoning cases.
  6. Make policy recommendations on reduction and prevention of lead poisoning to the government for national implementation.
  7. Create awareness among the public through the media, publications and outreach programs.
  8. Assist researchers and academicians involved in research activities in the field of toxicology with special reference to lead.

A developing country like India can tackle this serious, but preventable environmental health hazard through proper awareness and prevention measures. NRCLPI will function both as a referral centre as well as a clearing-house for updated information on lead poisoning from various sources - research organizations, academicians, governmental and international agencies, industries, and the general public. It is our belief that with better communication and networking among the various concerned parties, the hazard of lead poisoning can be better handled, and significant reductions in blood lead levels can be achieved among the general population in the coming decade.

You can help reduce lead exposure in India and other developing countries by sharing your experience with others. We are asking you to kindly forward, by email or fax, information on the launch of our new web site www.leadpoison.net to professionals you know to have an interest in reducing children's exposure to this toxic metal. Furthermore, we are offering all those with lead poisoning expertise the opportunity to contribute articles, research papers and relevant news to www.leadpoison.net on a regular basis. Your contribution to the site will make it a valuable tool for anyone in India and other developing countries committed to preventing lead poisoning. When you log onto the site, there will be simple directions on how you can participate in sharing your knowledge with others.

For further information, please contact:

National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India
Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics,
Robert Koch Bhavan
St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences,
Bangalore - 560034, INDIA
Tel: 91-80-2065058
Fax: 91-80-5520777
E-mail : nrclpi@leadpoison.net

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