WHO / Yoshi Shimizu
Children going home after school in Irisan Elementary School.

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2026

From Detection to Prevention

The fourteenth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) will take place from 18-24 October 2026

The focus of this year’s campaign “From Detection to Prevention” focusses on the fact that lead poisoning is often not visible, can arise from different sources, and needs to be identified before actions can be taken to protect health, particularly the health of children. Once lead exposure has been identified, preventive actions with a proven track record can be implemented. This webpage provides advocacy materials and technical guidance to support campaigners in organizing events during the week of action and an events registration page where campaigners can showcase their events during the week.

Two girls and boys walking in a street which has several packages of plastic waste.

Children in a village drinks water from a water catchment tank.

LEARN the Risks

Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children. There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects. Find out about the hazards and risks of lead and, in particular, of lead paint from the following resources:

JOIN the Action

Join the global movement by taking action to prevent lead poisoning, particularly in children. Use the material below to organize an activity or event to highlight the harm that lead causes and the action that can be taken to know your source of exposure and take steps to prevent exposure.

Guidance on organizing an advocacy or awareness campaign

ELIMINATE Lead Paint

Work with governments and stakeholders to continue the action needed to establish laws eliminating lead paint, in all countries and ensure the effective enforcement of lead paint regulations. Use the resources below to find guidance and technical materials to establish effective lead paint regulation.