WHO / Mikhail Grigorev
Children, healthy habits and noncommunicable diseases

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025

No safe level: act now to end lead exposure

The thirteenth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) will take place from 19-25 October 2025

The focus of this year’s campaign “No safe level: act now to end lead exposure” reminds us of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect children's health. The campaign builds on the success in banning the use of lead in petrol and the progress achieved by many countries in establishing laws or regulations that limit the use of lead in paint, particularly those children are exposed to in their homes, schools, and playgrounds. This webpage provides advocacy materials and technical guidance to support campaigners in organizing events during the week of action and an events registration page where campaigners can showcase their events during the week.

Global commitments to address lead poisoning has been bolstered by a new Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative. WHO will be working with partners to:

Develop a comprehensive technical package on lead poisoning prevention;
Support country-level implementation of the WHO Guideline for clinical management of exposure to lead in some of the highest-need countries in Asia, Africa, and South America;
Assess and strengthen the capacity of poison centres to detect and manage cases of lead poisoning; and
Develop and disseminate communication and training materials for health professionals and the general public to recognize the risks and sources of lead exposure

Children in a village drinks water from a water catchment tank.

LEARN the Risks

Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children. There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects. Find out about the hazards and risks of lead and, in particular, of lead paint from the following resources:

JOIN the Action

Join the global movement by taking action to prevent lead poisoning, particularly in children. Use the material below to organize an activity or event to highlight the harm that lead causes and the action that can be taken to know your source of exposure and take steps to prevent exposure.

Guidance on organizing an advocacy or awareness campaign

ELIMINATE Lead Paint

Work with governments and stakeholders to continue the action needed to establish laws eliminating lead paint, in all countries and ensure the effective enforcement of lead paint regulations. Use the resources below to find guidance and technical materials to establish effective lead paint regulation.