GAHP nominated Lead as an Issue of Concern under the Global Framework on Chemicals

The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) nominated Lead as an Issue of Concern (IoC) under the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), which is now open for public stakeholder consultation until 21 August 2026.

This consultation provides an important opportunity for governments, international organisations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and other stakeholders to help strengthen international action on one of the world's most significant environmental health threats.

Why does this matter?

Although important progress has been made in eliminating lead from paint, millions of people - particularly children - continue to be exposed through multiple sources across the lead life cycle, including:

Today, an estimated one in three children worldwide has blood lead levels associated with irreversible harm to health, learning, and development. Recognising lead as an Issue of Concern under the Global Framework on Chemicals would help promote a comprehensive life-cycle approach to lead management, strengthen international cooperation, support national capacity-building, and accelerate the exchange of knowledge and good practices to reduce lead exposure worldwide.

GAHP's leadership

For more than a decade, GAHP has advocated for stronger international action on pollution and health. During the Open-ended Working Group of the Global Framework on Chemicals in Punta del Este (2025), GAHP submitted the first official nomination of Lead as an Issue of Concern, supported by the Governments of Ghana, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, Uganda, and Uruguay, as well as endorsed by UNEP and Japan.

Building on this momentum, GAHP submitted an updated nomination in 2026 reflecting the growing scientific evidence that lead exposure throughout its life cycle remains insufficiently addressed and requires coordinated international action. The current nomination has already received support from the Governments of Cambodia, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Paraguay, Uganda, and Uruguay, as well as UNEP.

How can you help?

The public consultation remains open until 21 August 2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments and endorsements through the official consultation process: https://owncloud.unog.ch/s/i8kOBSFW6e0SWIh

*The nomination and proposed workplan, Towards a broader approach on lead: expanding the scope beyond lead in paint, are available on the UNEP Global Framework on Chemicals website. Email communication@gahp.org for queries.