No Safe Level: Urgent Action Needed to End Lead Poisoning

As the world marks the 13th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) from 19 to 25 October 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: there is no safe level of lead exposure. The agency is calling for urgent action to eliminate this preventable threat, which continues to endanger millions of children and adults worldwide.

The 2025 campaign, themed “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure,” highlights the continued dangers posed by lead contamination in everyday environments including paint, batteries, cosmetics, spices, and polluted soil.

“No level of lead is safe. Every child deserves a future free from this poison,” said Dr. Ruediger Krech, Acting Director of WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration. “We call on governments, communities, and healthcare providers to act decisively to eliminate lead exposure and protect the health and potential of the next generation.”

Lead exposure remains one of the world’s most widespread yet entirely preventable health threats. WHO estimates it causes about 1.5 million deaths annually, mostly from cardiovascular disease. In children, even small amounts can cause irreversible neurological and behavioral damage, including reduced IQ, learning difficulties, and attention problems. Exposure during pregnancy also harms fetal development.

While global progress has been made, including the elimination of leaded petrol and increased restrictions on lead in paints, WHO warns that voluntary measures are not enough. The organization is urging governments to enact and enforce comprehensive bans on the manufacture, import, and sale of lead-based paints to prevent further exposure, particularly among children.

The ILPPW campaign aims to raise awareness about the health impacts of lead exposure, highlight national and partner initiatives to protect children, and urge stronger regulations to eliminate lead paint globally.

WHO and its partners are calling on governments, civil society organizations, and communities to participate by hosting awareness events and campaigns. The agency has made technical and advocacy materials available online and encourages organizers to register their activities on the ILPPW campaign webpage.

Experts say ending lead poisoning is within reach, but only if decisive action is taken now.

“Eliminating lead exposure is not a dream; it is a duty,” said Dr. Krech. “With the right policies and enforcement, we can ensure that every child grows up in a safe, lead-free environment.”