WHO Raises Alarm Over Hidden Lead Exposure, Warns Everyday Products Can Damage Brain, Heart, Kidneys
Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that exposure to lead, a toxic heavy metal still found in several everyday products, can cause irreversible damage to the brain, heart and kidneys, while significantly reducing children’s intelligence and, in severe cases, leading to death.
The global health agency issued the warning on Monday through its official X account, urging the public to remain aware of the dangers posed by lead-containing products.
According to WHO, lead has been widely used throughout history in products such as petrol, fishing weights, paint, batteries and cosmetics, despite its well-documented health risks.
“Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal used throughout human history in petrol, fishing weights, paint, batteries and makeup,” WHO stated.
The organisation warned that lead exposure can severely affect multiple organs, particularly the brain, heart and kidneys, while causing permanent IQ loss in children.
Health experts say children are especially vulnerable because their developing brains absorb lead more easily than adults. Even low levels of exposure have been linked to learning difficulties, behavioural problems and impaired cognitive development.
Lead poisoning has also been associated with kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and other serious health complications, with prolonged exposure increasing the risk of life-threatening illness.
Although many countries have phased out leaded petrol, environmental contamination remains a concern due to decades of industrial use. Older buildings with lead-based paint, improperly recycled batteries, contaminated soil and some traditional cosmetics continue to expose millions of people to the toxic metal.
The WHO stressed that lead poisoning remains entirely preventable through stronger regulations, improved waste management, safe recycling practices and increased public awareness.
They also called for stricter monitoring of industrial uses of lead and improved environmental controls to reduce the global burden of lead poisoning.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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