Central and Eastern European and Central Asian countries are making a stand about the risks of lead in paint, during the international lead poisoning prevention week of action on 23-29 October.
Following the successful phase-out of lead in petrol - preventing more than 1.2 million premature deaths a year and reducing lead in blood levels by at least 90 per cent – there is a strong drive to eliminate lead in paint.
Not only did the elimination of lead in petrol improve health, it lowered crime. Since lead is attributed to antisocial behaviour, it was estimated that 58 million crimes were avoided by the removal of lead in petrol – saving $2.4 trillion each year.
The international week of action aims to portray the remaining issues with lead worldwide. European countries have been designing a number of events, for the week of action, to illustrate a need for change - including a flash mob in Albania, meetings with paint store owners in Russia and much more.
Lead is known for corroding societies and economies worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, 0.6 per cent of the global burden of disease is instigated by lead. Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, antisocial behaviour, reduced fertility and a heightened risk of renal and cardiovascular disease.
To read a full media advisory on the week please click here. For more information please contact isabelle.valentiny@unep.org or vanessa.burrows@unep.org
