The Kazan Cooking Pot Causes Lead Poisoning with Children in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is grappling with a severe public health crisis where nearly all children are suffering from chronic lead poisoning. The main culprit behind this silent epidemic is the Kazan, a traditional large cooking pot found in almost every Afghan household. These pots, often made from recycled materials, have become a significant source of continuous lead exposure, leading to irreversible damage, particularly among the nation’s children. The consequences of this exposure are dire, affecting cognitive development, behavior, and overall health.

The Origin and Fabrication of Kazan Pots

The Kazan has a long history in Central and South Asian cultures, particularly in Afghanistan, where it is an essential tool for cooking. These pots are typically large, heavy, and designed to cook food quickly and efficiently, making them indispensable in Afghan households.

Traditionally, Kazans were made from high-quality metals, but due to economic hardships and the widespread availability of scrap materials, many are now fabricated using recycled aluminum. But unfortunately their recycling process used is not sustainable at all to say the least and present a real health risk.

The manufacturing process often involves smelting down old car engines, radiators, and other metal scrap to create the aluminum used for these pots. Unfortunately, this scrap metal is frequently contaminated with lead, which becomes part of the Kazan during the manufacturing process. This lead can leach into the food cooked in these pots, exposing anyone who consumes the food to dangerous levels of the toxic metal.

This practice is particularly dangerous because the lead from the pots directly contaminates the food that children and families consume daily. Over time, even small amounts of lead exposure can accumulate in the body, resulting in severe health effects, including permanent brain damage in children.

The Medical Impact of Lead Exposure

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that poses the greatest risk to children. Even at low levels, lead exposure can cause a wide range of health issues, including:

  • Cognitive Impairment: Lead exposure significantly reduces IQ and can lead to learning disabilities and attention disorders. These effects are often permanent and can affect a child’s educational and professional future.
  • Behavioral Problems: Lead has been linked to increased aggression and behavioral disorders. Children exposed to high levels of lead are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity, irritability, and other behavioral issues that can persist into adulthood.
  • Physical Health Issues: Chronic lead exposure can lead to delayed growth, hearing loss, and damage to various organs, including the brain and nervous system. In severe cases, lead poisoning can result in seizures, coma, and even death.

Lead exposure has also been associated with long-term health issues such as hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. The cumulative effects of lead poisoning can devastate individuals and communities, leading to a cycle of poverty and illness​.

According to a 2020 UNICEF report, nearly 17 million children under the age of 15 in South Asia, including Afghanistan, have blood lead levels exceeding 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), a level at which intervention is recommended. Afghanistan is one of the countries with the highest exposure rates, with nearly all (!) children affected​.

This was also confirmed by the Global Burden of Disease Study. This study estimated that, in Afghanistan, the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in children is among the highest globally. The World Bank and other health organizations have reported that over 90% of children in Afghanistan are exposed to dangerously high levels of lead.

Limited Kazan Import Ban

Kazan pots, including those made from recycled metals, are exported from Afghanistan to various countries. These pots are often purchased (even from several well-known ecommerce sites) by Afghan diaspora communities and other consumers who value their traditional design and cooking efficiency.

However, due to the severe health risks associated with lead contamination, some countries have finally taken action to limit or ban the import of these products.

For instance, in the United States, public health authorities have issued warnings and advisories regarding the use of Kazan pots. In 2019, following reports of high lead levels in Afghan Kazan pots, Amazon in the end also removed these products from its platform.

Additionally, U.S. cities like Boston have issued public health advisories warning against the use of these pots, particularly within immigrant communities that might bring them from abroad or purchase them online.

While there isn’t a widespread formal ban in all countries, these actions reflect a growing concern about the safety of Kazan pots made from recycled metals. Regulatory agencies in the U.S. and other countries are increasingly scrutinizing such imports, and consumers are being urged to switch to safer alternatives like stainless steel cookware.

But it’s Not Only the Kazan

While the Kazan (and its production process with lead filled fumes) is a huge contributor to the lead poisoning crisis in Afghanistan, it is not the sole source of this widespread health issue.

Researchers also identified the use of lead in spices, particularly in turmeric. In some regions in Asia (and Afghanistan), lead chromate is added to turmeric to enhance its color, which inadvertently leads to lead contamination.

Authorities in countries like Bangladesh, where lead-adulterated turmeric was a significant issue, have conducted extensive market inspections. They use hand-held spectrometers to spot-check turmeric for lead contamination and enforce stricter penalties for manufacturers who adulterate spices with lead chromate. This has led to a significant reduction in lead exposure from turmeric in those regions​.

Additionally, lead-based paints and traditional cosmetics like kohl (a type of eyeliner also known as kajal or surma) also contribute to the high levels of lead exposure. Efforts have been made to introduce and promote lead-free alternatives, especially in the case of cosmetics (and paints).

All these sources collectively create an environment where lead is prevalent, posing a continuous threat to children’s health.

Addressing the Lead Poisoning Crisis: What Can Be Done?

To address the lead poisoning crisis in Afghanistan there is a need for a multifaceted approach, which is far from easy in the situation Afghanistan is now in with limited to no education for girls and women.

  1. Public Awareness and Education: There needs to be a concerted effort to educate the Afghan public (in and outside Afghanistan) about the dangers of using Kazan pots made from recycled metals. Awareness campaigns should inform people about safer cooking alternatives, such as stainless steel cookware, which does not pose the same risks.
  2. Regulatory Measures: The Afghan government, in collaboration with international organizations, should implement regulations to control the use of lead in cookware manufacturing. This could include banning the use of certain types of scrap metal in cookware production and introducing quality control measures in manufacturing processes.
  3. Economic Support: Providing economic incentives or subsidies for safer cookware alternatives could help reduce reliance on dangerous Kazans. Supporting local industries to produce safe, affordable cookware could also help mitigate the crisis.
  4. Medical Intervention: There is an urgent need for widespread lead screening programs, particularly for children. Early detection and intervention can help mitigate some of the long-term effects of lead poisoning. Treatment options, though limited, can help reduce lead levels in the blood and prevent further damage.

Millions of Children Exposed to the Dangers of Lead Poisoning

The use of Kazan pots in Afghanistan has unwittingly exposed millions to the dangers of lead poisoning, particularly affecting children who are the most vulnerable. The history and economic circumstances that led to the widespread use of these pots show the complex challenges faced by the country.

Addressing this issue requires not only immediate public health interventions but also long-term strategies to replace dangerous cooking methods with safer alternatives. The consequences of inaction are severe, with the potential to cripple the cognitive and physical development of an entire generation​.