SOLVING POLLUTION IN India

Lead poisoning is preventable, but only once the scale of the crisis and its sources are identified. Our work generates the evidence that makes this possible. We conduct blood lead level (BLL) surveys among children and pregnant women to generate state- and nationally representative evidence on the scale and distribution of lead exposure. Through source assessments, such as market surveys, home-based assessments, institutional assessments, and supply-chain analyses, we trace lead back to its sources across food, consumer products, and the environment, then design and pilot targeted interventions. Where contaminated sites are identified, we support clean-up efforts from assessment to implementation.

Pure Earth India works closely with the government to strengthen regulatory systems, embed lead mitigation within existing government programs, and create market incentives for lead-safe pathways. We provide technical support for training and capacity building across government departments and for improving enforcement capacity. We are currently working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Government of India, on the recently launched National Biomonitoring Programme on Chemical Toxins. We aim to work with State Pollution Control Boards and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to advance remediation activities across five states and support the development of government remediation capacity.