Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
WHO estimates more than 800 million children have unsafe blood lead levels
The WHO estimates that more than 800 million children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood.
Lead can come from everyday products such as paint, cookware, cosmetics and spices, as well as contaminated environments and informal recycling.
There is no known safe level of lead exposure, and children may be harmed even when they show no obvious symptoms.
Lead can damage the brain and nervous system, and can also affect the liver, kidneys and bones.
Children and women of childbearing age are especially vulnerable, while exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal growth and lead to preterm birth.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that lead poisoning caused 3.5 million deaths worldwide in 2023.
The WHO's week-long campaign starts on 18 October and calls for stronger rules, enforcement and action to remove lead hazards from products and environments.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 800 million children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood.
Lead exposure can damage children’s developing brains and nervous systems, often without obvious symptoms.
Lead can come from products such as paint, cookware, cosmetics and spices, as well as from recycling and contaminated environments.
The WHO says no level of lead exposure is considered safe and is calling for stronger regulation and prevention.
The organization plans a week-long awareness campaign starting 18 October.
- Who
- The World Health Organization issued the estimate. More than 800 million children are affected.
- What
- The WHO estimates that these children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood.
- When
- The estimate is described as the WHO’s latest; its date is not stated.
- Where
- Worldwide.
- Why
- Lead exposure can harm the brain and other organs, and can occur through products and contaminated environments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A study led by researchers at China’s Southeast University estimated that the highest numbers of lead-poisoning deaths were concentrated in China, India and Bangladesh.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that lead poisoning caused 3.5 million deaths and more than 71.5 million years lost to disability worldwide.
The WHO’s week-long awareness campaign is scheduled to begin.
- Children affected
- More than 800 million
- WHO position
- No level of lead exposure is considered safe
- Campaign start
- 18 October
- Campaign theme
- From Detection to Prevention
- Lead exposure sources
- Paint, cookware, cosmetics, spices, informal recycling and contaminated environments
What people are saying
This is a health threat that is largely invisible. A child can be exposed without showing any obvious symptoms. The damage to their developing brain and nervous system may be already taking place.
We’re calling on governments to strengthen regulations and enforcement, remove lead hazards from products and environments, invest in surveillance and safer industrial practices, and prioritize the protection of children and other vulnerable populations.
Lead does not belong in the body. It disrupts, it gets incorporated, and it really interferes with brain development.
Sources
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