WHO warns of global lead poisoning threat during prevention week

During International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, held from October 18 to 24, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have issued urgent calls to identify and eliminate lead exposure sources.

Lead exposure is estimated to affect up to 815 million children globally, with no known safe level of blood lead concentration. In children, exposure can cause permanent damage to brain development, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. In adults, it is linked to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and kidney damage. WHO estimates that lead exposure caused more than 3.5 million deaths in 2023, primarily due to cardiovascular effects.

Common sources of exposure include lead-based paint, contaminated dust or soil, certain ceramics, cosmetics, traditional medicines, plumbing fixtures, and industrial activities such as battery recycling. Currently, fewer than half of the world's countries have legally binding controls on lead-based paint. To combat this, the WHO is preparing a global plan and technical package for 2027, while reinforcing laboratory capacities in countries including Brazil, India, Nepal, and several African nations.