CGD Lead Poisoning Bi-weekly Update, May 15

New Publications and Resources

• Iron and Calcium Supplementation for Reducing Blood Lead Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lee Crawfurd and Theo Mitchell. Center for Global Development. We find limited evidence of small effects, which could still mean very cost-effective interventions at scale. See our blog for the countries where nutrition should matter most for tackling lead exposure.

• Lead chromate pigments dominate lead paints sold in Mexico. Gottesfield et al. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. The testing showed that Sherwin Williams, the largest global US-based paint company, continues to sell lead paints in Mexico.

• A Global Framework to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. Partnership for a Lead-Free Future. The PLF has created a voluntary indicator framework to track country progress on lead, including whether governments have representative blood lead data, identified priority sources, action plans, surveillance systems, relevant laws, and evidence of falling childhood blood lead levels.

• Lead Levels in Pakistan Pose Toxic Threat to Children. UNICEF Pakistan. A survey conducted with the Government of Pakistan found elevated blood lead levels in 40 percent of young children sampled in high-risk areas of seven cities. The press release comes alongside a PLF mission during which partners met Pakistani ministers and other stakeholders to support national action.

• Toxic Legacy: Bonus episode with Samantha Power. Laura Hughes. Financial Times. Samantha makes the case that lead poisoning remains massively underfunded relative to its health and learning costs, but is still unusually tractable. Samantha also wrote in the FT about the importance of testing.

Job Opportunities

• Resolve to Save Lives is hiring up to four consultants to help compile data and write modules for the WHO technical package on lead poisoning prevention. They are looking for expertise in blood lead surveillance, clinical/environmental response to chemical events, industrial and occupational lead hazards, and lead adulteration in consumer products and supply chains. The consultancy is expected to run remotely from around June to August, close to full-time, with possible extension through December at reduced time and 1–2 in-person convenings.

Upcoming Events

• CGD’s Second Annual Research Conference on Global Lead Exposure is just over two weeks away. The conference is being hosted on Wednesday, 3 June and Thursday, 4 June in London and will be livestreamed. Our website has an FAQ for basics, travel and agenda.