Global Action Accelerates Lead Poisoning Prevention

A growing international effort is helping identify the main sources of lead exposure and expand practical solutions, bringing the goal of preventing most lead poisoning closer in countries worldwide.

“We may be able to actually solve most of this problem over the coming decade,” said Phyllis Omido, Goldman Environmental Prize laureate and founder of the campaign that secured justice for Kenya’s Owino Uhuru community, highlighting the importance of protecting people from toxic pollution.

Experts from 14 countries shared new evidence showing how stronger policies, improved monitoring and locally tailored action can reduce lead exposure. Sustained action against adulterated spices in Bangladesh cut blood lead levels by 25 percent over five years, while new national surveys and surveillance programmes are guiding policy in countries including Ghana, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. Researchers also presented advances in safer battery recycling, food and water safety, blood lead testing and a forthcoming global technical package to help governments identify sources of contamination and implement effective prevention measures.