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Reducing lead poisoning by closing knowledge gaps

We conduct research on lead exposure in order to identify and eliminate causes of childhood lead poisoning around the world.

Lead poisoning affects 1 in 3 children worldwide

Lead exposure damages health and impairs intellectual development, diminishing individual potential and perpetuating global inequality. The Global Burden of Disease estimates that lead exposure causes more deaths each year than malaria and HIV/AIDS combined.

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Various potential sources of lead exposure, including cookware, cosmetics, toys, spices, and paint

Lead poisoning cannot be eliminated until its sources are known

Despite the profound health impacts of lead poisoning, knowledge of its causes is limited. While we know some of the likely culprits, the list is long–metal cookware, cosmetics, spices, toys, paint, and more–and it is not clear which sources are responsible for the majority of exposure in most countries.

Lead exposure causes between 1.5 and 5.5 million deaths each year due to increased risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease.

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Lead exposure is associated with an average IQ loss of up to six points, resulting in a  4% reduction in lifetime earnings.

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Lead exposure is responsible for reductions in educational attainment accounting for up to  one-fifth of the learning gap between high- and low-income countries.

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Lead Research for Action (LeRA) conducts research to identify major sources of lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries.

We then work with government partners and other NGOs to translate our research into regulation, reformulation, or other lead exposure mitigation strategies.

ENGAGE WITH GOVERNMENTS AND NGO PARTNERS

CONDUCT LEAD CONTENT STUDIES TO IDENTIFY MAJOR SOURCES OF LEAD EXPOSURE

USE RESEARCH FINDINGS TO ELIMINATE IDENTIFIED EXPOSURE SOURCES

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With your help, we can reduce the risk of lead exposure for millions of children.

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Lead Research for Action is a project of Charity Entrepreneurship operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, Inc. (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178, ppf.org/pp), a Texas nonprofit corporation with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Lead Research for Action qualify as tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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Lead Research for Action © 2025

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