RT null T1 "Why Lead?" Infographic A1 United Nations Environment Programme, YR 2016 FD 2016-10 LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/17269 UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/17269 NO This document presents an overview of lead as a pervasive toxicant, detailing health impacts, exposure routes, at-risk groups, economic costs, and policy progress. It states that no level of exposure is safe, neurological and behavioural effects are irreversible, and lead contributes to ischaemic heart disease and strokes; children absorb four to five times more than adults and face IQ loss, shortened attention, anaemia, hypertension, and kidney damage. It lists domestic and environmental sources (e.g., lead paint, ceramics, PVC, jewellery, lipsticks, plumbing, electronics, munitions; mining, smelting, e-waste, battery disposal) and media such as air, water, dust, and soil. DS UN Environment Document Repository RD Sep 18, 2026