CGD Lead Poisoning Bi-weekly Update, May 29

AuthorAuthor

Theo Mitchell & Rachel Bonnifield
May 29, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

Sharing here CGD’s bi-weekly update on lead poisoning publications, events, job opportunities, and funding announcements.

We welcome submissions for future newsletters at this link. New subscribers can sign up at this link, and existing subscribers can remove themselves from future updates via the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. We will also invite the new subscribers to join our monthly check-in call.

With best wishes,

Rachel Bonnifield
Senior Fellow
Center for Global Development

New Publications and Resources

  • Jenna Forsyth on tracing lead from turmeric to batteries. Hugo Smith. Lead Battery Notes. Jenna discusses Project Unleaded’s expanding source-identification work, including a 12,000-household turmeric adulteration survey across 10 Indian states, and whether lithium battery-swapping models for electric rickshaws could lower the upfront cost of switching away from lead-acid batteries.

  • Pure Earth’s Prioritization Tool is now live. Developed to help donors, governments, and international organizations understand where lead exposure burden falls—and where to act—the tool lets users select from eight indicators drawn from IHME's Global Burden of Disease 2023 estimates and World Bank analyses, spanning total burden measures (such as total IQ loss) and per-capita measures (such as prevalence of elevated blood lead levels). Each indicator is normalized onto a 1–10 scale and combined into a composite country score. Rather than producing a single definitive ranking, the tool is designed for exploration: users adjust the relative weight of each indicator via simple sliders, and the map and country rankings update in real time, showing how priorities shift under different assumptions.

  • Urban gardens may contain lead — here’s what the research says about the hidden health risk. Melody Lynch. The Conversation. This Canada-focused piece gives practical ways to reduce exposure, including soil testing, raised beds, compost, mulch, and washing produce.

Job Opportunities

  • Pure Earth, a global leader in reducing exposure to lead and other toxic pollutants, is hiring. Open positions include:

    • Used Lead-Acid Battery (ULAB) Advisor (USA)

    • Communications Officer (Brazil)

    • HR Intern, Global HR Operations (New York, NY)

Upcoming Events

  • CGD’s Second Annual Research Conference on Global Lead Exposure is next week, on 3–4 June in London and online. The conference will be livestreamed on our website, where you can also find the agenda and FAQs. In-person attendees will also be able to see live demonstrations of field-based lead-testing, using samples such as paint chips, glazed ceramics, toys, and soil (UK-origin only). Attendees are responsible for ensuring that any materials they bring comply with relevant laws.