[PRESS RELEASE] GAHP Calls For an Ambitious But Realistic Approach to LEAD to The Global Framework on Chemicals

Punta del Este, Uruguay – 25 June 2025

The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), with the support of Ghana, Nigeria, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uganda, and Uruguay, has submitted a Conference Room Paper (CRP) to the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) of the GFC for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste to expand the scope of lead pollution under a single Issue of Concern, recognizing its significance as a major environmental pollutant. Other countries, such as Japan, supported this CRP during the plenary session.

This proposal aligns with the UNEP recommendation to broaden the scope to include additional sources of lead exposure. The proposal, titled "Towards a Broader Approach to Lead: Expanding the Scope Beyond Lead in Paint," calls for recognizing lead pollution as a formal Issue of Concern, citing its devastating impact on health, the environment, and economies, especially in developing countries. The World Bank estimates that lead exposure contributes to an annual loss of 7% of global GDP.

GAHP’s proposal urges a more comprehensive global approach, addressing not only lead in paint but also other major sources such as used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), lead-contaminated consumer goods, spices, cosmetics, and lead-glazed ceramics, among others.

The initiative aligns with the 2025 World Health Assembly resolution titled “Galvanizing Global Support for a Lead-Free Future,” which mandates the development of a Global Action Plan on Lead Mitigation to be presented to the 80th WHA in 2027.

UNEP intervention in the plenary session stressed that “While we have made some significant progress—such as the global phase-out of leaded petrol and the regulation of lead in paint in many countries—numerous significant sources of exposure remain. These include lead in batteries and associated informal recycling practices, lead use in construction and infrastructure, lead shot and fishing gear, among others, which continue to pose serious health and environmental threats. Working with a sectoral approach is key to driving change.

In this context, we believe that addressing lead in a comprehensive manner as an issue of concern is essential to once and for all address the harm that lead is still causing. UNEP, as mandated by UNEA, will continue its vital work to reduce global lead exposure and protect public health, and we call on all stakeholders to join in building a lead-free future for all.”

GAHP has submitted a draft formal proposal for a CRP on lead to be designated as an Issue of Concern under the Global Framework on Chemicals and has called on governments and stakeholders to co-sponsor and support this critical initiative. This proposal, presented during the Plenary session, will be discussed by the contact group on 25 June, which will need to decide whether to bring it to the International Conference.

Read the full text of the CRP issued by UNEP

Media contact: communication@gahp.net