Evidence-based solutions to global lead poisoning, at scale

Lead exposure is a significant public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly children. Lead exposure is responsible for an estimated 3.5 million deaths each year. More than one billion children are believed to have elevated blood lead levels, damaging brain development, limiting learning, reducing earnings, and increasing the risk of lifelong illness and death. This has broad economic impacts, with an annual economic cost of $6 trillion annually. Stealing the potential of one child is a tragedy; doing it to a billion children sabotages the trajectory of entire nations and robs a generation of its intellectual capital.

Pure Earth works with governments to identify, reduce, and prevent lead exposure at scale. Our proven model starts with measuring the true burden of lead poisoning through national blood lead surveys, then identifying the most harmful sources of exposure. We implement targeted action, cleaning up toxic hotspots, enforcing regulations, and removing lead from consumer products, while sharing data and lessons that mobilize political will across ministries and borders. By embedding solutions within government systems, we ensure lasting impact.