UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell's opening remarks at the launch of "A Lead-Free Future Starts Today"
As prepared for delivery
"Excellencies, distinguished guests, friends, my warmest welcome to UNICEF House. I am so glad you could join us today.
"We are here to talk about an issue that has lingered on the margins of development for too long: lead exposure in children.
"I imagine many of you, like me, were surprised to learn about the dangers and impact of lead on children.
"Lead is poison – and no level is considered safe. Lead exposure affects almost every organ in a child’s body, including their hearts, lungs, and kidneys.
"Perhaps worst of all, it also damages children’s brains before they have a chance to fully develop.
"Even at very low levels, lead exposure in children has been linked with lower IQ, on average, six IQ points per child. In many low-and middle-income countries, this is the case for about half the children.
"Imagine the impact on their ability to learn – and later, to earn a living. Imagine the impact on their societies.
"This is a gross inequity. In many high-income countries, lead poisoning in young children has been almost eliminated.
"It is time we moved lead exposure from the margins to the mainstream of development.
"Thanks to the work of a few trailblazers, that is starting to happen."
