With the slogan “No safe level: act now to end lead exposure,” Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, occurring from October 19-25, is urging immediate action to safeguard children’s health. The initiative builds on the successful prohibition of lead in petrol and highlights progress in various nations that have enacted laws limiting lead use in paint, particularly in environments where children are at risk of exposure, including homes, schools, and playgrounds.
Efforts to combat lead poisoning have been strengthened by the launch of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative. The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with partners to create a comprehensive technical package focused on lead poisoning prevention. This includes supporting the implementation of guidelines for managing lead exposure in countries across Asia, Africa, and South America. The WHO will also enhance the capacity of poison centers to detect and treat lead poisoning cases, while developing and distributing training materials for healthcare professionals and the public to raise awareness about the risks and sources of lead exposure.
