WHO urges action on lead poisoning dangers
The World Health Organization has issued a warning regarding the global dangers of lead poisoning, which affects hundreds of millions of children. The organization emphasizes that there is no safe level of exposure and calls for urgent preventative action.
Why it matters
Lead poisoning remains a major, preventable public health crisis that causes irreversible neurological damage, particularly in developing nations.
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Add to Preferred Sources Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The World Health Organization on Thursday told countries to do more to prevent lead exposure, with hundreds of millions of children affected worldwide.
"Lead poisoning is one of the world's most serious yet overlooked environmental health threats," said Bruce Gordon, head of the WHO's environment department.
Lead is categorized by the WHO as one of the 10 chemicals of major public health concern, along with others including arsenic, asbestos, mercury and highly hazardous pesticides.
Lead exposure is a widespread but preventable health threat estimated to contribute to more than 3.5 million deaths globally every year.
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