Problem
Lead is a heavy metal, used extensively in industries and objects of everyday use like paint, dyes, cookware, cosmetics etc. Lead exposure is known to be toxic and can cause serious health problems, including cognitive impairments, heart disease, anaemia, and low birth weight.
In a 2016 meta-analysis of blood lead levels (BLLs) in India, it was found that lead exposure accounted for nearly 165,000 deaths and impacted one in two Indian children, with lifelong physical and mental health issues, including reduced IQ, antisocial behaviour, and lower educational attainment.
A 2020 report from UNICEF and Pure Earth highlighted that 275 million Indian children have blood lead levels above the WHO threshold, leading to significant deaths from cardiovascular disease.
Solution
There is strong evidence showing that regulating lead use through binding laws on lead paint, significantly lowers blood lead levels across populations.
While voluntary measures have a limited impact, legally enforced controls drive more sustainable and meaningful change. On a global scale, organisations like the Lead Exposure Elimination Project, which drives effective policies to eliminate lead poisoning, conduct country-specific research, and support governments in implementing lead paint regulations, have seen early success in key results and impact.
The India-Lead Elimination Action Partnerships(i-LEAP) is an initiative by Pahle India Foundation led by the country’s most distinguished experts in public health and policy, trying to bring together all the relevant stakeholders to better understand the issue, conduct the required research and develop policy recommendations that can be shared with the government.
i-LEAP's Impact
i-LEAP has established the India Working Group on Lead Poisoning, dedicated to addressing this critical public health challenge. The group is gathering grassroots insights and raising awareness through strategic state-level roundtables, conducted with local experts from the most severely impacted regions of India.
They have produced comprehensive research delving into multifaceted approaches for combating lead poisoning, including:
Identifying and promoting best practices for prevention and intervention
Developing strategies for social and behavioral change
Reviewing Indian and International legal frameworks
Understanding lead acid battery recycling
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