Lead poisoning: Naturally occurring toxic metal with widespread environmental contamination
Lead poisoning: Toxic metal causing permanent brain damage in children
Dr. Amara Diallo (Dakar, Senegal) noticed something was wrong with 4-year-old Ibrahim when his grandmother brought him to the pediatric clinic in March 2019. The child who once ran and played energetically now moved slowly, seemed confused, couldn’t focus on simple tasks. His grandmother explained that Ibrahim had been acting strange for months—irritable, not eating well, complaining of stomach pain, having trouble learning his alphabet when other children his age were already reading simple words.
“I examined Ibrahim and found signs of anemia, developmental delays, behavioral problems. His blood tests showed severe anemia and elevated liver enzymes. But what alarmed me most was his blood lead level—68 micrograms per deciliter. That’s extremely high, more than 13 times the CDC reference level. Ibrahim was suffering from severe lead poisoning,” Dr. Diallo recalled.
“I asked his grandmother where Ibrahim lived, what he ate, where he played. She explained that Ibrahim lived in an old house in the Medina district. The house had been painted many times over the years. The paint was peeling and flaking. Ibrahim, like most young children, put things in his mouth—including paint chips he found on the floor and windowsills. He’d been eating lead paint for months, maybe years. The lead was destroying his developing brain,” Dr. Diallo explained.
“I immediately admitted Ibrahim to the hospital and started chelation therapy—medications that help remove lead from the body. I contacted the Ministry of Health, who investigated his home and found lead levels in the paint 50 times higher than safe limits. Ibrahim’s three siblings also had elevated blood lead levels, though not as severe. The entire family had been poisoned by lead paint in their own home,” Dr. Diallo continued, her voice filled with frustration.
“Ibrahim survived, but the damage was permanent. Even after treatment reduced his blood lead levels, he continued to have learning difficulties, behavioral problems, reduced IQ. The lead had caused irreversible brain damage during critical developmental years. He’ll struggle in school, face challenges throughout life—all because he lived in a house with lead paint. It’s heartbreaking because lead poisoning is completely preventable.”
According to WHO, Lead poisoning occurs from exposure to lead, a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world. Important sources of environmental contamination include mining, smelting, manufacturing and recycling activities, and, in some countries, the continued use of leaded paint and leaded aviation fuel.
For more on environmental health hazards, see our articles on toxic exposures and childhood health risks at ObserverVoice.com.
Sources and Health Impacts
More than three quarters of global lead consumption is for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles. Lead is, however, also used in many other products, for example pigments, paints, solder, stained glass, lead crystal glassware, ammunition, ceramic glazes, jewellery, toys and some cosmetics and traditional medicines. Drinking water delivered through lead pipes or pipes joined with lead solder may contain lead. Much of the lead in global commerce is now obtained from recycling.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead poisoning and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health impacts, particularly on the development of the brain and nervous system. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight.
Lead is a well-recognized toxicant that has wide-ranging health impacts, affecting the neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and haematological systems. Young children are particularly vulnerable because they have higher exposures than adults and because lead affects the developing brain, potentially resulting in reduced intellectual ability. Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus.
Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood. There is no known safe blood lead concentration; even blood lead concentrations as low as 5 µg/dL may be associated with decreased intelligence in children, behavioural difficulties and learning problems. As lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms and effects also increase.
WHO provides Lead poisoning fact sheet and Q&A on Chemical safety: lead poisoning. WHO provides GHO data on Legally-binding controls on lead paint. Related topics include Air pollution, Children’s environmental health, Food safety, Maternal health, and Urban health. For more on chemical safety, see our article on environmental toxins at ObserverVoice.com.
Progress and Remaining Challenges
Encouragingly, the successful phasing out of leaded gasoline in most countries, together with other lead control measures, has resulted in a significant decline in population-level blood lead concentrations. As of July 2021, leaded fuel for cars and lorries is no longer sold anywhere in the world. However, more needs to be done to phase out of lead paint: so far, only 43% of countries have introduced legally binding controls on lead paint.
Diagnosis of lead poisoning and treatment decisions are based on medical history, clinical examination and the results of investigations, including the blood lead concentration, biomarkers of effect such as a full blood count and, if relevant, medical imaging. Confirmation of exposure to lead should be followed by termination of that exposure, as without this measure lead will continue to exert its toxic effects. When blood-lead levels are high and the patient has significant features of lead toxicity, chelation therapy to facilitate lead excretion may improve health outcomes. Gastrointestinal decontamination and nutritional supplementation may also play a role in treatment in specific circumstances.
WHO established Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. WHO’s Environment, Climate Change and Health team and Chemical safety and health unit coordinate efforts.
Recent News and Publications
October 2025 WHO reported No safe level: act now to end lead exposure. October 2022 WHO reported Almost 1 million people die every year due to lead poisoning, with more children suffering long-term health effects. October 2021 WHO reported WHO guidance to reduce illness due to lead exposure. October 2021 WHO reported The Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint. November 2011 WHO issued Disease outbreak news on Nigeria: mass lead poisoning from mining activities, Zamfara State.
July 2025 WHO published Exposure to lead: a major public health concern: preventing disease through healthy environments, 4th ed. October 2023 WHO published Update on global status of legal limits for lead in paint, March 2023. August 2023 WHO published Exposure to lead: major public health concern, 3rd ed. May 2023 WHO published Report on activities during ninth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, 24-30 October 2021. October 2024 WHO published 2024 List of resources and tools: Lead and lead in paint. September 2023 WHO published 2023 List of resources and tools. October 2022 WHO published Social Media Toolkit and Resource List.
World Health Assembly Resolutions and Campaigns
World Health Assembly passed multiple resolutions: WHA74(25) on The role of health sector in Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, WHA70(23) on role of health sector, WHA69.4 on Strategic Approach, WHA67.11 on Public health impacts of exposure to mercury, WHA59.15 on Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.
WHO provides infographics showing Fact: Lead is toxic, What is lead?, Lead exposure: early signs, and Lead exposure: long-term impacts. WHO hosts annual International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025 – No safe level: act now to end lead exposure (19-25 October 2025), International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2024 – Bright futures begin lead free (20-26 October 2024), International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023 (22-28 October 2023), and International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2022 (23-29 October 2022).
Prevention and Advocacy
Dr. Diallo’s experience with Ibrahim transformed her into a passionate advocate for lead poisoning prevention. She partnered with the Senegalese Ministry of Health and WHO to launch a national lead paint elimination campaign.
“After Ibrahim’s case, I investigated lead poisoning in Dakar. I found hundreds of children with elevated blood lead levels—all living in old houses with lead paint. The problem was massive but invisible. Parents didn’t know their children were being poisoned. They didn’t know that peeling paint contained lead. They didn’t know that children eating paint chips were ingesting a potent neurotoxin that would permanently damage their brains,” Dr. Diallo explained.
“WHO’s data shows almost 1 million people die every year from lead poisoning, with countless more children suffering long-term health effects—reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, developmental delays. The phasing out of leaded gasoline as of July 2021 was a huge victory—leaded fuel no longer sold anywhere in world. That eliminated a major source of lead exposure. But lead paint remains a critical problem. Only 43% of countries have legally binding controls on lead paint. In Senegal, we had no regulations at all,” Dr. Diallo continued.
“We worked with WHO’s Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint to draft legislation banning lead in paint. We educated paint manufacturers about lead-free alternatives. We launched public awareness campaigns teaching parents that there is no safe blood lead concentration—even levels as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter can cause decreased intelligence, behavioral difficulties, learning problems. We established blood lead screening programs for children living in high-risk areas,” Dr. Diallo emphasized.
“In 2022, Senegal passed comprehensive lead paint legislation—one of the first West African countries to do so. Paint manufacturers reformulated their products. We established lead paint testing programs. We educated healthcare workers to screen children for lead exposure. WHO’s technical guidance, policy frameworks, and advocacy support were essential. WHO’s annual International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week—held every October—raises awareness globally. The 2025 theme ‘No safe level: act now to end lead exposure’ reminds everyone that any lead exposure is too much,” Dr. Diallo noted.
“Ibrahim is now 11 years old. He’s in school, but struggles academically compared to his peers. He requires special education support. His potential was stolen by lead paint—a completely preventable tragedy. Every child deserves to grow up in a lead-free environment. WHO’s work on lead poisoning—developing guidelines, supporting legislation, providing technical assistance, raising awareness—is protecting children’s brains and futures. My mission is ensuring no other child suffers Ibrahim’s fate. Lead poisoning is preventable. We have the knowledge, the alternatives, the solutions. What we need is political will to eliminate lead paint globally—and WHO’s leadership is making that happen, one country at a time.”
For more information, visit WHO’s lead poisoning topic page or explore related content at ObserverVoice.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lead poisoning occurs from exposure to lead, naturally occurring toxic metal found in Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems. Important sources include mining, smelting, manufacturing and recycling activities, and continued use of leaded paint and leaded aviation fuel. More than three quarters of global lead consumption is for manufacture of lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles. Lead also used in pigments, paints, solder, stained glass, lead crystal glassware, ammunition, ceramic glazes, jewellery, toys and some cosmetics and traditional medicines. Drinking water delivered through lead pipes or pipes joined with lead solder may contain lead. Much of lead in global commerce now obtained from recycling. Successful phasing out of leaded gasoline resulted in significant decline in population-level blood lead concentrations. As of July 2021, leaded fuel for cars and lorries no longer sold anywhere in world. WHO provides Lead poisoning fact sheet. Related: Air pollution, Children’s environmental health.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to toxic effects of lead poisoning and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health impacts, particularly on development of brain and nervous system. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight. Lead is well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts, affecting neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and haematological systems. Young children particularly vulnerable because they have higher exposures than adults and because lead affects developing brain, potentially resulting in reduced intellectual ability. Lead in body is distributed to brain, liver, kidney and bones. There is no known safe blood lead concentration; even blood lead concentrations as low as 5 µg/dL may be associated with decreased intelligence in children, behavioural difficulties and learning problems. October 2022 WHO reported Almost 1 million people die every year due to lead poisoning. July 2025 WHO published Exposure to lead: major public health concern, 4th ed. Related: Maternal health, Food safety.
3. What progress has been made in eliminating lead exposure?
Successful phasing out of leaded gasoline in most countries, together with other lead control measures, has resulted in significant decline in population-level blood lead concentrations. As of July 2021, leaded fuel for cars and lorries no longer sold anywhere in world. However, more needs to be done to phase out of lead paint: so far, only 43% of countries have introduced legally binding controls on lead paint. WHO established Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. WHO provides GHO data on Legally-binding controls on lead paint. October 2025 WHO reported No safe level: act now to end lead exposure. October 2021 WHO reported Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint. October 2023 WHO published Update on global status of legal limits for lead in paint. WHO provides Q&A on Chemical safety: lead poisoning. Related: Urban health.
Diagnosis of lead poisoning and treatment decisions are based on medical history, clinical examination and results of investigations, including blood lead concentration, biomarkers of effect such as full blood count and, if relevant, medical imaging. Human exposure usually assessed through measurement of lead in blood. Confirmation of exposure to lead should be followed by termination of that exposure, as without this measure lead will continue to exert its toxic effects. When blood-lead levels are high and patient has significant features of lead toxicity, chelation therapy to facilitate lead excretion may improve health outcomes. Gastrointestinal decontamination and nutritional supplementation may also play role in treatment in specific circumstances. October 2021 WHO reported WHO guidance to reduce illness due to lead exposure. August 2023 WHO published Exposure to lead: major public health concern, 3rd ed. WHO’s Chemical safety and health unit coordinates efforts. Related: Children’s environmental health.
WHO hosts annual International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week every October. International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025 – No safe level: act now to end lead exposure (19-25 October 2025) reminds of unacceptable risks of lead exposure and need for action to protect children’s health. International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2024 – Bright futures begin lead free (20-26 October 2024). WHO established Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. WHO’s Environment, Climate Change and Health team coordinates efforts. May 2023 WHO published Report on activities during ninth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. October 2024 WHO published 2024 List of resources and tools. October 2022 WHO published Social Media Toolkit. WHO provides infographics showing Lead exposure: early signs and long-term impacts. Related: Air pollution, Maternal health.
- WHO Lead Poisoning Topic Page
- Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint
- International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025
- WHO Chemical Safety and Health Unit
- WHO Exposure to Lead Publication
Disclaimer: This article is an adaptation of publicly available information from WHO’s Lead poisoning
health topic page (WHO, Geneva. Licence: CC BYNC-SA 3.0 IGO). WHO is not responsible for the
content or accuracy of this adaptation. This content is for informational and educational purposes
only and does not constitute medical advice. ObserverVoice.com is a news and information platform
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