WHO / Jawad Jalali
Afghan children show their fingers marked after they all received drops of polio and finger mark by vaccinator in Asadabad.

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023

End Childhood Lead Poisoning

The eleventh International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) will take place on 22-28 October 2023

The focus of this year’s campaign “End Childhood Lead Poisoning” reminds governments, civil society organizations, health partners, industry and others of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect children's health. The campaign builds on the success in outlawing the use of lead in petrol and the progress achieved by many countries in establishing laws that limit the use of lead in paint, particularly those paints to which children are exposed 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.

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.

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.