Expressing concern about the elevated levels of lead in one-third of the world's children and the global causes of lead exposure, and calling for the inclusion of lead exposure prevention in global health, education, and environment programs abroad.

Health

senate

Introduced on April 18, 2024 by Benjamin Louis Cardin

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

Expresses concern about the high levels of lead in one-third of the world’s children and the global causes of lead exposure.
Calls for the inclusion of lead exposure prevention in global health, education, and environment programs abroad.
Highlights lead as a toxin particularly harmful to children, affecting brain and nervous system development.
Notes that lead exposure can occur through inhalation of particles, ingestion of contaminated dust, paint, water, and food.
Mentions that significant lead exposure can result in severe, life-threatening conditions requiring medical attention.
States that approximately 800 million children globally have blood lead levels at or above the World Health Organization’s intervention threshold.
Points out that children from low-income families are more vulnerable to lead exposure.
Emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure and that it can cause toxicity in every organ system.
Details the severe health impacts of lead exposure on children, including neurological damage, lower IQ, and increased antisocial behavior.
Notes that undernourished children are more susceptible to absorbing lead.
Links high lead exposure in pregnant women to adverse outcomes like stillbirth and low birth weight.
Discusses the risk of occupational and environmental contamination from informal recycling of lead-acid batteries, especially in developing countries.
Highlights the global supply chain’s role in spreading lead contamination through household and consumer goods.
References a World Bank study estimating a loss of 765 million IQ points among children and a global cost of lead exposure of approximately $6 trillion.
Suggests that lead poisoning contributes significantly to the learning gap between children in high-income and low-income countries.
Advocates for cost-effective approaches to prevent lead exposure, emphasizing the benefits of improved health and increased productivity.
Mentions the G7’s commitment to reducing environmental lead and addressing its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations.
Recognizes the United States’ role in observing National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and the United Nations’ International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Calls for increased global assistance to help low- and middle-income countries prevent lead exposure.
Urges the United States Agency for International Development to lead initiatives to prevent lead poisoning and address lead exposure risks, particularly from consumer goods in low- and middle-income countries.
Asserts the United States’ potential leadership role in global efforts to prevent harm from lead exposure to children.

Last updated 8/21/2024