Pure Earth is a pioneer in developing evidence-based solutions to lead and mercury exposure.
Guided by our commitment to transparency, collaboration, impact measurement, and technical excellence, Pure Earth works with partners around the world to sustainably address the root causes of lead and mercury pollution.
Guided by our commitment to transparency, collaboration, impact measurement, and technical excellence, Pure Earth works with partners around the world to sustainably address the root causes of lead and mercury pollution.
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What We Do
We prioritize actions to protect the developing brains and bodies of children and pregnant women. We work to stop the multigenerational cycle of poisoning that is endemic in low and middle-income countries.
Lead and mercury are two of the most prevalent pollutants in low and middle-income countries. There is widespread use of, and exposure to, dangerous forms of lead and mercury. Global Burden of Disease data indicate lead and mercury exposure pose a greater risk than all other Top Ten Chemicals of Concern identified by WHO.


Lead
More than 800 million children globally have a concentration of lead in their blood above 5 micrograms per deciliter – resulting in permanent brain damage and the loss of 3 to 5 IQ points. Childhood lead exposure is estimated to cost lower- and middle-income countries almost USD $1 trillion due to the lost economic potential of these children over their lifetime.
Learn what we are doing and how to get involved.


Mercury
Mercury wreaks similar damage on mothers and infants. It crosses the placenta, poisoning the fetus. Mercury is highly mobile in the environment; it bioaccumulates and transforms in aquatic environments into highly toxic methyl-mercury. This is why pregnant women are advised to limit intake of certain types of fish.
Learn what we are doing and how to get involved
For over 20 years, our teams around the globe have been working to achieve a world where all, especially children, are able to live healthy lives and reach their full potential, free from exposure to toxic pollution.
What's New
We believe the pollution crisis can be solved.
In a world where pollution doesn’t stop at borders and we benefit from an interconnected global economy,
we all have a responsibility to be part of the solution.
Join us.
Together we can solve pollution, save lives, and protect the planet.
PURE EARTH partners with governments, communities and industry leaders to identify and implement solutions that stop toxic exposures, protect health, and restore environments.

REPORT
The Toxic Truth:
Children’s Exposure to Lead Pollution Undermines a Generation of Future Potential
UNICEF and Pure Earth Call for Urgent Action to Protect 800 Million Children Affected by Lead
Our Projects
Understanding Our Impact

Toxic Site Identification Program
Reducing the Threat of Toxic Chemical Pollution
Pure Earth trained investigators have assessed 5,000+ toxic sites in 50 countries. TSIP is the largest global database of sites contaminated with toxic chemicals. The program provides governments with information on the sources and potential impacts of severely polluted sites to facilitate the prioritization of pollution control and remediation efforts.

Taking Action - Protecting Health
Cleanups and Interventions
Our teams have completed 120+ environmental and health interventions in 24 countries, improving the lives of almost 5 million people. Project solutions range from small-scale containment and community awareness, to complex multi-modal interventions.

Global network of pollution fighters
Training Environmental and Health Investigators
Pure Earth has trained and supported a network of 500 environmental health and pollution remediation professionals in 50 mid- and low-income countries. Many more interdisciplinary advocates, professionals, researchers and policy/regulatory specialists need to be trained and activated in affected countries.

Seminal research on pollution and health
Elevating pollution in the global public health agenda
Pure Earth co-led The Lancet Commission on pollution and health. The report garnered 3,000 media stories and has been cited in over 900 other research papers to date. Our report, co-published with UNICEF, The Toxic Truth, was also widely covered around the globe, igniting commitments to address the global lead poisoning crisis.
You Can Help!
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