The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with support of the European Union, is facilitating consultation on lead sources and management in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. This event is organized in collaboration with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP). The event was held online on 30 October 2025.
Following a similar initiative in Africa and Asia-Pacific, the consultation aims at assessing the feasibility of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach by LAC countries to manage lead exposure.
This initiative comes at a crucial juncture, as previous international efforts around lead exposure reduction primarily targeted single sources of lead contamination, such as leaded petrol and paint. However, a growing body of research highlights the wide variety of sources impacting lead exposure, particularly in developing countries, encompassing various industries and consumer products.
Recognizing that policy and regulatory approaches to addressing sources of lead exposure may vary, adopting a comprehensive look at lead management policies in developing countries across sectors holds immense promise. By embracing a holistic perspective, it becomes feasible to discern the primary drivers of lead exposure with greater clarity, increase awareness of policymakers, and pave the way for the development of cohesive, enduring mitigation strategies, action plans, and other relevant instruments
Moreover, addressing lead management on a multi-sectoral basis empowers stakeholders to forge vital connections between lead mitigation efforts and broader development objectives or societal priorities, thereby enhancing the mobilization of resources towards this critical cause. Through promoting collaborative action and a multifaceted approach, these consultations aim to catalyze impactful change in safeguarding public health and environmental well-being across the LAC region.
Agenda
Moderator: Mr. Jordi Pon, Regional Coordinator, Chemicals and Pollution Action, UNEP's Latin America and the Caribbean Office
Welcome and introductions (10 min.)
- Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division, UNEP
Setting the scene on lead management (20 min.)
- Overview of Lead Pollution Issues in Latin America and the Caribbean (10 min.) - Ms. Mihaela Paun, Officer-in-Charge of Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, United Nations Environment Programme
- Country-level whole of government examples (10 min.) - Mr. Elmer Quichiz Romero, Hospital Solid Waste Coordinator, Directorate General of Environmental Health and Food Safety, Ministry of Health, Peru
Panel discussion – Country Representatives (30 min.)
- Ms. Judith Torres, International Agenda and Cooperation Area Manager, National Directorate of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment of Uruguay - ULABs
- Ms. Trecia David, Registrar, Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Guyana – Lead in paint
- Dr. Martha María Téllez Rojo, Medical Sciences Investigator, National Institute of Public Health Mexico – BLL surveillance/lead-glazed pottery
Panel discussion – International Organizations and Civil Society Representatives (30 min.)
- Mr. Luis Francisco Sánchez Otero, Advisor for Health, Environment and Climate Change at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) – PAHO/WHO related interventions in LAC countries
- Mr. Alberto Santos Capra, Director, Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the South American Region, Argentina (BCRC Argentina) – Basel Convention ULABs guidance update
- Dr. Dan Kass, Senior Vice President of Environmental, Climate and Urban Health Vital Strategies – Institutional capacity building
- Dr. Lilian Corra, Senior Advisor, Global Alliance on Health and Pollution – GAHP support in addressing ULABs (Brazil case study)
Questions and Open Discussion (25 min.) - All participants
Conclusions and Final Remarks (5 min.)
