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The UN agency has issued such calls before International Lead Poisoning Prevention Weekwhich runs from October 18-26.
Although such exposure is completely preventable, less than half of states have confirmed legally binding controls on lead-containing paint, according to the agency. latest global assessment.
‘Stealing children’s potential’
The risks to children are particularly dangerous because their developing brains and nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead.
“Lead poisoning must not steal children’s potential in 2026,” said Bruce Gordon, interim director WHODepartment of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration.
“We know where many exposures come from and we know how to prevent them. Countries must now move upstream, removing lead from products and the environment before it reaches children’s bloodstreams.”
Irreparable loss, lifelong consequences
Lead contamination can occur through paint, cookware, cosmetics, spices, informal recycling, and industrial sources. There is no known safe level of contact, and even relatively low exposure can cause permanent damage.
Lead poisoning affects multiple organs and contributes to health problems such as cardiovascular and kidney disease in adults as well as permanent damage to the brain, health and development of children.
Lifelong consequences include learning difficulties, behavioral problems and poor health. Because symptoms may not be immediately apparent, many cases go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
Action plan and guidance
WHO Member States have recognized lead exposure as an urgent public health problem and mandated the agency to develop a Global Action Plan on Lead Mitigation to be presented to world leaders. World Health Assembly (N-dash) – WHO governing body (N-dash) – next year.
The agency will also launch the PREVENT Technical Package on Lead Poisoning Prevention in 2027, to provide countries with practical guidance on identifying priority sources of exposure, determining which interventions can have the greatest impact, strengthening and enforcing regulations, and monitoring progress.
Last year, WHO joined its partners in the Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative to build and increase laboratory capacity to test blood lead levels, enabling early detection of lead exposure.
Capacity building and technical support will be implemented at sites in Brazil, India, Nepal and in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania.
