Lead pollution remains a significant but often overlooked development challenge, according to new findings released on October 20, 2025. While the global phase-out of leaded gasoline has reduced some risks, millions of people—especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)—continue to face exposure from various sources.
Lead is present in many everyday items and environments, including factories, mines, spices, teas, paints, water pipes, cosmetics, and toys. The largest contributor to current lead pollution is the recycling of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), which accounts for about 86% of all lead that is mined or recycled worldwide.
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even minimal contact can cause lasting health problems and economic consequences. "Lead harms nearly every organ system, and even low exposure levels can cause irreversible health and economic consequences," the report states.
Children are particularly vulnerable. Exposure can impair neurological development and IQ, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral issues such as increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prenatal exposure further increases risks like low birth weight and impaired cognitive development. In 2019 alone, global lead exposure resulted in an estimated loss of 765 million IQ points—95% occurring in LMICs—and led to $1.4 trillion in lost lifetime income.
Adults are also at risk. Lead exposure increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, stroke, kidney and liver damage, memory loss, premature death, and reproductive health issues for both women and men. The same year saw 5.5 million adult deaths from CVD attributed to lead exposure—representing between 15%–44% of all CVD deaths in LMICs. The welfare cost associated with adult mortality was estimated at $1.9–6 trillion globally.
The impact falls most heavily on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, children, and poorer populations—particularly those living in LMICs.
Despite these challenges, experts say the crisis is solvable through a combination of strategic investments and policy reforms aimed at protecting those at risk while eliminating environmental sources of lead contamination. Suggested actions include investing in cleanup efforts for contaminated sites; reforming policies related to prevention; building institutional capacity for enforcement; and improving prevention strategies.
Many interventions have demonstrated high returns relative to their costs by significantly reducing blood lead levels among affected populations while lowering rates of cardiovascular mortality and increasing potential lifetime earnings.
"The cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of solutions," the report notes. Lead exposure currently imposes a burden worth trillions annually on the global economy; addressing it represents both a public health necessity and an economic opportunity.
"A lead-free world is achievable," says The World Bank's statement on its commitment to work with countries and partners: "With strong political commitment, partnerships, and decisive action, the world can eliminate lead pollution." The organization pledges continued support for large-scale efforts designed to protect health outcomes while fostering economic growth worldwide.
A non-technical executive summary preview is available online ahead of the full report’s release. An infographic summarizing estimated health impacts and economic costs related to global lead pollution has also been published.