A host of global events will between 25 and 31 October 2015 address the lack of awareness on the health risks of lead in paint and highlight efforts to eliminate it.

Childhood lead exposure is estimated to contribute to about 600 000 new cases of children with intellectual disabilities every year. Despite this, lead paint is still widely available in many countries for decorating homes and can be found in schools and hospitals, toys and jewelry.

Actions organised by community groups, public health departments, academia, government departments and others include an art competition, a workshop on preventing exposure to the paint and blood tests.

The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint is a voluntary alliance of stakeholders lead by UNEP and the World Health Organisation which aims to eliminate lead paint by 2020. The UN bodies support national efforts to regulate lead paints, inform the public of their exposure and encourage manufacturers to eliminate lead from their products.

For more details on the Lead Paint Alliance please click here
or contact mijke.hertoghs@unep.org