dc.description | The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Alliance) is pleased to present its June newsletter. The Alliance is working to achieve the phase-out of the manufacture, sale and import of paints containing lead through the establishment of laws. As of 31 March 2023, 93 countries – comprising 48% of all countries - have legally binding controls to limit the production, import and sale of lead paints. For a map and database, you can visit WHO’s Global Health Observatory webpage on legally-binding controls on lead paint.
After enacting legally binding controls for lead paint, compliance and enforcement are critical to the effective implementation of laws. The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) newly released Lead Paint Law Compliance and Enforcement Guidance provides countries with guidance for the development and implementation of compliance and enforcement strategies for lead paint laws. It will be available in all UN languages shortly on the Alliance website.
More broadly, addressing lead pollution and exposure in developing countries was reaffirmed in 2023 G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers Communiqué, in which Ministers committed to contributing to addressing pollution in developing countries by supporting capacity building for sound management of chemicals and waste. An experts meeting, co-hosted by Germany, the United States and the European Union, will be held later this year to further elaborate concrete actions to reduce lead pollution and exposure, in addition to identifying ways to strengthen international cooperation on lead with existing international initiatives and instruments.
To galvanize action, the Alliance is actively planning for the 11th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) to be held 22-28 October 2023. This year’s week of action will focus on children’s environmental health in relation to lead exposure. The dedicated campaign website and registration will be available shortly.
We are pleased to share additional updates below about our recent progress and activities, as well as opportunities for governments, industry, and civil society to join us in our efforts. | en_US |