The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to intensify efforts to prevent lead exposure, warning that the toxic metal continues to threaten the health and development of hundreds of millions of children worldwide.
The call, issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, comes ahead of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, scheduled for October 18–24, under the theme “From Detection to Prevention”.
Bruce Gordon, Director ad interim of WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change and One Health, described lead poisoning as one of the world’s most serious but overlooked environmental health threats, stressing that countries must tackle sources of contamination before people are exposed.
According to WHO, an estimated 815 million children worldwide have blood lead levels of at least five micrograms per decilitre, a level at which its guidance recommends identifying and reducing or eliminating exposure sources.
The organisation also cites estimates that lead exposure contributed to more than 3.5 million deaths globally in 2023, primarily through cardiovascular effects.
Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing. Even relatively low exposure can affect intelligence, learning ability and behaviour, while prolonged exposure can damage the kidneys and other organs. There is no known level of lead exposure that is without harmful effects.
People may be exposed through lead-based paints, contaminated dust and soil, unsafe battery recycling, industrial activities, certain cosmetics and spices, cookware and contaminated drinking water.
WHO is calling on governments to strengthen regulations, enforce safety standards, improve monitoring and public awareness, and eliminate lead hazards from consumer products and the environment. It is also working with international partners to support countries in detecting and preventing exposure.
The organisation plans to present a Global Action Plan on Lead Mitigation and a technical package known as PREVENT at the 2027 World Health Assembly to help countries identify major sources of exposure and implement effective preventive measures.
The WHO campaign places particular emphasis on prevention rather than waiting for poisoning cases to be detected, noting that damage may occur before symptoms become apparent. It is urging governments, industries, health professionals and communities to work together to protect children and other vulnerable groups.
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