The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to strengthen measures against lead exposure, warning that millions of children are at risk of serious and potentially irreversible health problems from the toxic metal.
The global health agency raised the alarm on Thursday, describing lead poisoning as a preventable public health crisis that continues to affect communities around the world.
Bruce Gordon, head of the WHO’s environment department, said the danger remains largely overlooked despite its potentially devastating consequences.
“Lead poisoning is one of the world’s most serious yet overlooked environmental health threats,” Gordon said.
The WHO classifies lead among the 10 chemicals of major public health concern, alongside substances such as arsenic, asbestos, mercury and highly hazardous pesticides.
According to the agency, lead exposure is estimated to contribute to more than 3.5 million deaths globally every year, making stronger prevention efforts an urgent priority.
More Than 800 Million Children Affected
The WHO estimates that approximately 815 million children worldwide have blood lead concentrations of at least five micrograms per decilitre. This level should prompt an investigation into possible sources of exposure and measures to reduce or eliminate them.
Gordon said the figures highlight the scale of the problem, with more than one in three children globally exceeding the organisation’s action threshold.
“Over one in three children around the world are above WHO’s action level,” he told reporters.
He also warned that lead exposure may go unnoticed because affected children do not always display obvious symptoms.
Children face particular risks because their brains and nervous systems are still developing, making them especially vulnerable to the metal’s toxic effects.
The WHO explained that lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the Earth’s crust, but its widespread use has contributed to extensive environmental contamination and serious health consequences.
Everyday Products Can Expose People to Lead
Lead exposure can occur through several sources, including paint, cookware, cosmetics, spices, informal recycling activities and industrial pollution.
The danger is especially concerning because there is no established safe level of lead exposure. Even relatively low levels can cause lasting damage to human health.
Once it enters the body, lead can accumulate in different organs and tissues, including the brain, kidneys, liver and bones.
In children, exposure has been linked to reduced intelligence, behavioural problems and learning difficulties.
The WHO recommended in 2021 that countries identify and eliminate sources of contamination for anyone whose blood lead concentration reaches at least five micrograms per decilitre.
WHO Calls for Stronger Laws and Enforcement
The agency said greater public awareness alone would not solve the problem, urging governments to introduce and enforce stronger policies to prevent lead from entering products and the environment.
Gordon stressed that countries must move beyond simply informing the public about the dangers and take practical steps to reduce exposure.
“Awareness alone is not enough, and we need to move to effective policy-making and enforcement,” he said.
The WHO’s latest assessment found that fewer than half of countries have legally binding restrictions on lead in paint, highlighting a major gap in global protection.
“Countries now need to move upstream, removing lead from products and environments before it reaches a child’s bloodstream,” Gordon added.
Countries have recognised lead exposure as a serious public health concern and tasked the WHO with developing a global action plan. The plan is expected to be presented at the next annual assembly of member states in May.
Meanwhile, the organisation is strengthening laboratory capacity for blood lead testing in Brazil, India, Nepal, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania.
The WHO says preventing exposure before it causes harm remains essential, particularly for children who may suffer long-term consequences without immediate or obvious symptoms.
Source: AFP
