WHO urges faster action to end lead exposure which kills 3.5 million annually

The World Health Organisation issued a call on October 17, 2026, in Geneva, urging nations to accelerate global efforts to eliminate lead exposure. The organization reports that lead poisoning is responsible for an estimated 3.5 million deaths annually worldwide.

Beyond the mortality rate, the health agency highlighted that lead exposure continues to impact hundreds of millions of children globally. The directive emphasizes the urgent need for systemic policy changes to mitigate these health risks.