A Toxic Threat to Indonesia’s Human Capital

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Lead paint exposure is a significant public health issue in Indonesia, with approximately 27,000 deaths attributed to lead poisoning in 2019 and 44.8% of Indonesians living in homes with lead paint as of December 2023 [2][14] - The prevalence of lead paint is particularly high among children, with about 10.2 million children aged five or younger living in homes with lead paint, and 14.1% of these children at risk of severe exposure due to deteriorating paint [2][14] - The economic impact of lead exposure in Indonesia is substantial, costing between $32 billion and $64 billion annually, which is equivalent to 0.8% to 1.7% of the national income [12][21] Summary by Sections Introduction - Lead is identified as the most damaging environmental toxin, with Indonesia being one of the most affected countries. The report highlights the severe long-term impacts of lead exposure on children's cognitive development and overall health [5][22] Health Impact - The report estimates that lead exposure results in significant health costs, including 1.7 million deaths globally and 40.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually. In Indonesia, lead exposure is responsible for 500,000 to 1 million DALYs lost each year [6][10] Lead Paint Prevalence - A nationally representative survey found that 44.8% of Indonesians live in homes with lead paint, with the highest prevalence in the Maluku & Papua region at 77% [14][43] - The survey indicates that 77% of popular paint brands tested contained unsafe levels of lead, with no paint colors found to be systematically lead-free [19][21] Socioeconomic Disparities - The report highlights significant socioeconomic disparities in lead paint exposure, with poorer households more likely to have lead paint in poor condition, leading to higher risks of lead poisoning [48][49] Economic Analysis - The report suggests that investments in lead paint pollution control measures could yield high returns, with estimates of return on investment ranging from 17 to 221 times [13][12] Conclusion - The findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory measures to address lead paint exposure in Indonesia, as the current voluntary guidelines are insufficient to protect public health [21][19]