20 October 2013: The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP), a joint initiative of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Health Organization (WHO), is observing International Lead Poisoning Awareness Week, under the theme of ‘Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future.’ Held from 20-26 October, GAELP highlights efforts of countries and partners to prevent childhood lead poisoning, and urges further action to eliminate lead paint.

According to WHO, 30 countries have already phased out the use of lead paint. GAELP has a target of 70 countries by 2015. WHO estimates that 143,000 deaths per year result from lead poisoning, with lead paint as a major contributor to this statistic. WHO says exposure also contributes to 600,000 new cases of children with intellectual disabilities annually.

WHO underscores the importance of governments’ role in protecting the health of workers, children and women of reproductive age. It urges governments to eliminate the use of lead decorative paints and to provide information on renovating homes containing lead paint. Lead paint may be found in the home, on toys, furniture and on other objects. [UN Press Release] [WHO Webpage for Week] [UNEP Webpage for Week]