Ganesh and Durga idols also bring home illness

He was speaking at the launch of "Project Lead Free" sponsored by AIIMS, Department of Science and Technology and the George Foundation.

According to the World Health Organisation, over eight million children in developing countries are suffering from lead-caused permanent brain damage.

Venkatesh said that kaajal, hair dye and gulal (the colour used during the holi festival) were equally harmful. "Haldi or turmeric too is adulterated with lead particles by several small manufacturers," he said, adding that lead can cause or aggravate anaemia, abdominal pain, neurological problems, kidney damage, hypertension and foetus outcome.

Five thousand persons including children below six years in 120 schools across the city, pregnant women, traffic police personnel, railway men and industrial workers will be tested for lead content in their blood under the project.

Project director Dr Veena Kalra said populations at greater risk included malnourished children, industrial workers, traffic policemen, street vendors and auto drivers.

Former chief of naval staff and chairman of George Foundation which has provided the equipment for the project, Admiral O S Dawson described lead, which arises from auto emissions and lead based industries, as an "invisible and silent killer". The main objectives of the project, he said, was to target children, pregnant women, lead-based industrial workers, and emergency referrals from doctors and hospitals for testing and treating elevated levels of lead and iron deficiency.