What’s Causing Widespread Lead Exposure in Developing Countries?

Purpose: This paper examines how to identify causes of persistently elevated blood lead levels affecting one-third of children globally, despite the phase-out of leaded gasoline two decades ago. Originality: Through examination of successful interventions, including Bangladesh's campaign against lead-adulterated turmeric, the paper shows how targeted source assessment research can yield remarkable public health impacts at relatively low cost. Methodology: This paper provides a review of lead source assessment for policymakers, drawing on findings from a technical roundtable and case studies. Result: This research demonstrates that while source assessment methods are viable in LMIC settings, they require adaptation of existing tools, such as biokinetic modeling, which have been primarily calibrated to high-income country contexts. Conclusions and Implication: The paper concludes that expanded investment in source assessment research, both locally and globally, is critical for effectively targeting interventions and achieving a lead-free future for children worldwide. These findings outline priority knowledge gaps and research opportunities that, if addressed, could accelerate progress in identifying and eliminating dangerous sources of lead exposure across global contexts.