The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to intensify efforts to prevent lead exposure, warning that the toxic metal remains a major public health threat affecting millions of people worldwide.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, the agency said lead exposure was estimated to contribute to more than 3.5 million deaths globally each year and continued to put hundreds of millions of children at risk.
The call came during International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2026, as the WHO urged governments to strengthen regulations, improve monitoring and eliminate sources of exposure before they cause harm.
Lead can be found in several everyday products and environments, including certain paints, cookware, cosmetics and spices. Exposure may also occur through industrial contamination and informal recycling activities.
Children are particularly vulnerable because their developing brains and nervous systems are highly sensitive to the toxic effects of lead. Even relatively low levels of exposure can cause lasting harm, affecting learning, behaviour and development.
The WHO said there was no known safe level of lead exposure and warned that many cases went undetected because symptoms might not be immediately apparent.
The agency is working with governments and international partners to develop a Global Action Plan on Lead Mitigation, which is expected to be presented to the World Health Assembly in 2027.
It also plans to introduce a technical package to help countries identify major sources of exposure, strengthen enforcement of safety standards and monitor progress in preventing lead poisoning.
The WHO said effective prevention would require governments, industries and communities to work together to remove lead hazards from products and environments, particularly those affecting children and other vulnerable groups.
