"Act now to stop lead exposure" is the tagline of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

During October 19–25, 2025, the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week takes place. And this year, the National Agency for Public Health joins the global campaign, carried out under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of the event is to increase the population's awareness of the risks of exposure to lead and to promote concrete measures to prevent the toxic effects of this metal on human health, especially in children and pregnant women.

This year's campaign has the generic "Act now to stop lead exposure", emphasizing the urgency of eliminating the sources of lead from the environment, homes, consumer products, drinking water, paints and materials used in industrial activities.

Lead is a toxic, naturally occurring metal found in the earth's crust. Its widespread use has led to extensive environmental contamination and the triggering of significant public health problems in many countries of the world. Eliminating the use of lead in paints, household products - is one of the most effective public health measures globally.

WHO estimates that almost half of the 2 million lives lost globally due to exposure to chemicals in 2019 were due to exposure to lead.

Important to note, that there is no safe level of exposure to lead: it accumulates in the body and affects different organs and is particularly harmful for children, causing developmental and behavioral disorders. Lead also causes long-term damage in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

To avoid harmful lead exposure we urge you to carefully select remedial paints. Definitely avoid lead-containing paints even for exterior work. Carefully study the composition of the paint label until you purchase them, and if necessary - request additional documents from the economic agent, which would confirm the harmlessness of the product.

REMEMBER: There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to have no harmful effects. Exposure to lead can be prevented.

During the week, ANSP specialists in collaboration with public and private medical and sanitary institutions, educational institutions will carry out a series of information and educational activities that address the risks of exposure to lead, its compounds and methods of prevention.

For more information about the campaign global, you can go to WHO's official page: https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-lead-poisoning-prevention-week/2025