Published on : 21 Oct 2025, 11:33 am Summary
A new study estimates global yearly losses from childhood lead exposure at $3.4 trillion, or 2% of global GDP.
Despite the ban on leaded petrol, contamination persists through unsafe recycling, paints, toys and food products.
Low- and middle-income countries bear the heaviest burden, with millions of children exposed to toxic levels.
Researchers call for urgent action to eliminate unsafe sources and strengthen monitoring and community involvement.
A new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment has found that lead exposure continues to pose a serious public health and economic challenge in the 21st century, despite the global phase-out of leaded petrol.
The research estimates that the global yearly monetary