Although we may not notice it, in different areas of everyday life we come across [lead contamination](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/arsenico-en-el-agua-estos-son-los-puntos-mas-criticos-de-argentina/). The main sources are mining, metallurgy, industrial manufacturing, recycling, and the addition to various products.
Most of the lead used worldwide is employed to manufacture lead-acid batteries for [motor vehicles](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/auto-electrico-y-volador-china-lanza-un-modelo-con-1000-km-de-independencia/). Therefore, this metal can be present in everything.
This includes everything from kitchen utensils and cosmetics to paint and plumbing. However, there is no safe level of exposure to the heavy metal, which causes more than 1.5 million deaths per year. Additionally, it can trigger developmental disorders in children.
## Lead contamination: a global problem
Lead particles contaminate [the air, water, and soil](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/dramatico-en-los-ultimos-50-la-perdida-de-biodiversidad-llego-al-73/), reduce crop productivity, and harm biodiversity. Lead also disproportionately affects residents of low and middle-income countries.
The United Nations Environment Programme (PNUMA) plays a key role in one of the initiatives to combat this issue: the Alliance for a Lead-Free Future.
It was launched at the UN General Assembly in September and aims to end childhood lead poisoning by 2040.
The momentum is based on PNUMA’s successful 20-year campaign to end leaded fuel and its leadership in the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint.
“The evidence of the dangers of lead has been clear for a long time. It is unacceptable that we live on a planet where one in three children is affected by [lead poisoning](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/dramatico-en-los-ultimos-50-la-perdida-de-biodiversidad-llego-al-73/),” said Jacqueline Álvarez, head of the Chemicals and Health Subdivision of PNUMA.
Furthermore, the world is currently observing the 12th edition of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
## Lead contamination: where it is and how to eliminate it
1. **Painting**
Lead can be added to paint to make it more vivid and moisture-resistant. Historically, it has been used in playgrounds, toys, and furniture, making young children [especially vulnerable](https://noticiasambientales.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/africa_contaminacion_plomo_4864586458645864584.jpg).
However, progress is being made worldwide to eliminate lead paint. Around 48% of countries have legally binding controls on lead paint.
The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint brings together governments, academics, non-governmental organizations, and paint companies to increase the number of laws regulating this globally.
2. **Spices**
From [turmeric to calendula](https://noticiasambientales.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/africa_contaminacion_plomo_4864586458645864584.jpg), lead prevails in the global spice market. Sellers may intentionally add lead chromate to low-quality spices to enhance their vitality and economic value.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have a code of practices to [reduce the presence of lead in spices](https://noticiasambientales.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/africa_contaminacion_plomo_4864586458645864584.jpg) and other foods.
Governments can use this knowledge to inform and strengthen surveillance networks and national policies.
3. **Cookware and Tableware**
Aluminum cookware can contain dangerous levels of lead and other metals that can leach into food. This metal may be present due to inadequate quality control during production.
Some ceramics also have a glaze containing lead to make them waterproof.
When contaminated foods are ingested, lead is distributed to organs and [accumulates over time](https://noticiasambientales.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/africa_contaminacion_plomo_4864586458645864584.jpg) in bones and teeth.
4. **Batteries**
The battery industry is the largest industry using lead. Lead-acid batteries power many vehicles, renewable energy systems, and infrastructures, such as data networks.
As demand increases, so does the inadequate production and management of batteries.
Informal workers and communities in parts of [Asia, sub-Saharan Africa](https://noticiasambientales.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/africa_contaminacion_plomo_4864586458645864584.jpg), and Latin America may be at higher risk of exposure to lead emissions and fumes due to inadequate safety or pollution management standards.
To minimize exposure to lead in batteries and other products, countries can establish stricter safety regulations and increase funding for proper equipment and facilities, as experts suggest.
As the first global public-private partnership on lead exposure in low and middle-income countries, the Alliance for a Lead-Free Future can provide governments with policy recommendations and management strategies to [move towards a lead-free future](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/dramatico-en-los-ultimos-50-la-perdida-de-biodiversidad-llego-al-73/).
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