FRAM-seminar: No safe levels of exposure - The urgent need for global elimination of lead paint

Seminarium

Lead paint has been identified as one of the most widespread sources of childhood lead exposure and efforts are now underway to eliminate lead paint globally. This FRAM seminar is hosted by Dr Sara Brosché, who is managing IPEN´s Global Campaign to Eliminate Lead Paint.

Lead paints for home use continue to be widely produced, sold, and used in developing countries. It is also still allowed in many countries for so-called industrial purposes despite the fact that these paints are often sold over counter and used in homes, schools and on playground equipment. Lead interferes with the developing brain and even low-level exposure leads to irreversible neurological impacts manifesting as lowered IQ, poorer school performance and impulsive and violent behavior.

The economic impact of childhood lead exposure on national economies in all low- and middle-income countries has been estimated to a total cumulative cost burden of $977 billion international dollars per year. Lead paint has been identified as one of the most widespread sources of childhood lead exposure and efforts are now underway to eliminate lead paint globally.

The International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) is a global network of public interest, non-profit organizations in more than 120 countries working together for a world in which toxic chemicals are no longer produced or used in ways that harm human health and the environment.

IPEN launched its Global Lead Paint Elimination Campaign in 2009 and works at the international level in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization and other partners in the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, and at the national level with civil society to promote regulatory controls on lead paint and raise awareness among business entrepreneurs, government officials, and consumers about the adverse human health impacts of lead paint, particularly on the health of children.