International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action 2016

From 23 to 29 October 2016 the international lead poisoning prevention week of action took place, with a particular focus on eliminating lead paint. Find the 2016 report on activities that took place during the Week of Action here .

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, yet the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has estimated that in 2013 lead exposure accounted for 853 000 deaths and 16.8 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) due to long-term effects on health, with the highest burden in developing regions. Of particular concern is the role of lead exposure in the development of intellectual disability in children. Even though there is wide recognition of this problem and many countries have taken action, exposure to lead, particularly in childhood, remains of key concern to health care providers and public health officials worldwide.

The key messages for this campaign were:

1. Lead exposure affects human health, especially for children.
2. Lead paint is an important source of lead exposure.
3. We can work together to reduce impacts of exposure to lead in paint.

During this week, events and awareness raising activities are organized all around the world.  A list of campaign materials can be found on the WHO website. You can find a list of events here.  A report on the 2015 campaign outcomes can be found here.

How can you be a part of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action?

FOLLOW UN Environment's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts for #BanLeadPaint posts and  engage by liking or reposting to your network.

WATCH our videos: https://youtu.be/3Ld2xN8R26Y & https://youtu.be/kPOmPaJJT48

CHECK OUT our infographics and learn more:

What are the sources of Lead in Paint?: https://youtu.be/CkkFvQiUR64  Who is at Risk from Lead in Paint?: https://youtu.be/mTY5IFXi-kQ  How does lead affect our bodies?: https://youtu.be/c-b7CKWarKA  Lead in paint - What can you do to make a difference?: https://youtu.be/g6uPFzUhSMY  The health and environmental effects of lead in paint: https://youtu.be/kDUB_xQkbaU 

Join the next campaign which will take place 22 - 28 October 2017!!