act now to finish lead publicity

Lead publicity stays one of many world’s most widespread but preventable well being threats, affecting tens of millions of youngsters and adults alike. As the thirteenth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) approaches from 19 to 25 October 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and companions are issuing a transparent warning: there isn’t a secure stage of lead, and quick motion is required to eradicate publicity and defend future generations. The 2025 marketing campaign carries the theme: “No safe level: act now to end lead exposure.”

“No level of lead is safe. Every child deserves a future free from this poison,” stated Dr Ruediger Krech, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration a.i, World Health Organization. “Every child, in every corner of the world, deserves a future free from the lifelong harm that can be prevented. This week, we call on governments, communities, and health-care providers to act decisively to eliminate lead exposure and protect the health and potential of the next generation.”

Lead publicity stays a critical world well being risk. It is linked to roughly 1.5 million deaths yearly, primarily from heart problems, and causes irreversible neurological and behavioural harm, particularly in youngsters. Young youngsters take in considerably extra lead than adults, resulting in decreased IQ, studying difficulties, and behavioural issues. Lead publicity additionally harms the growing fetus.

Lead is current in quite a few on a regular basis supplies, together with paint, batteries, cosmetics, and even spices, and contaminates air, water, and soil, leading to persistent publicity in communities worldwide.

Progress has been made, together with the ban on lead in petrol and efforts by many international locations to limit lead in paints. However, WHO stresses that voluntary measures aren’t sufficient. Comprehensive bans on the manufacturing, import, sale, and use of lead-based paints should be carried out and strictly enforced to forestall publicity, notably amongst youngsters.

The marketing campaign, held yearly, goals to:

• increase consciousness in regards to the well being results of lead publicity;
• spotlight nationwide and associate efforts to forestall lead publicity, notably in youngsters; and
• urge international locations to eradicate lead paint by robust regulatory motion.

Governments, civil society organizations, well being companions, and communities are inspired to prepare campaigns throughout ILPPW. WHO offers advocacy and technical supplies to help these actions and invitations organizers to register occasions on the marketing campaign webpage to showcase actions worldwide.

Ending lead poisoning shouldn’t be solely attainable, it’s inside attain. WHO urges all governments, organizations, and communities to behave decisively to guard youngsters and future generations from this preventable well being risk.