Lead (Pb) is a highly poisonous heavy metal that is particularly harmful to young children. Despite clear evidence of harm, lead is still widely used due to its desirable chemical and physical properties. The sources of lead exposure include, but are not limited to, contaminated soil, and consumer products, cosmetics, toys, spices and food. Today, it is estimated that one-third or over 800 million children around the world have unsafe blood lead levels. (UNICEF).

Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood Development (ARNEC) has partnered with Vital Strategies to publish this advocacy brief to highlight the specific risk that lead poisoning poses to young children, and a list of actions that we can take to reduce this risk.