What we do

We drive effective policies to eliminate lead poisoning across the globe

LEEP works to tackle one of the world's most widespread and preventable health crises: childhood lead poisoning. To do that, we work across governments and industries to remove lead from paint and other sources of exposure worldwide.

We drive effective policies to eliminate lead poisoning across the globe

LEEP works to tackle one of the world’s most widespread and preventable health crises: childhood lead poisoning. To do that, we work across governments and industries to remove lead from paint and other sources of exposure worldwide.

We drive effective policies to eliminate lead poisoning across the globe

We drive effective policies to eliminate lead poisoning across the globe

WHAT WE DO

LEEP works in countries where childhood lead exposure remains unaddressed

We do this by:

Generating evidence

Working with the government and/or other local partners, we conduct research (e.g. paint studies) to determine whether and to what extent lead-based products are available on the market.

Supporting regulation

We seek commitments for new regulation or enforcement of existing regulation. We provide support as needed, such as drafting new regulatory standards and enforcement plans.

Partnering with industry

Provide technical assistance to suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers to enable them to switch to lead-free materials.

our approach

Impact-driven

Our goal is to improve the lives of children worldwide as much as we can. We are driven by cost-effectiveness and results, and regularly assess our progress.

Truth-seeking

We base our work on evidence when we can. We are transparent, and share our successes and failures. We embrace truth, even when it isn’t convenient.

Collaborative

Multiple actors need to work together to eliminate lead from paint and other products. We aim to assist our partners, governments and paint manufacturers with the specific support they need to make lasting change. Our ongoing collaboration with local entities and governments is critical to our impact.

where we work

program updates

What changed this year

Following a paint study in DRC, LEEP conducted multiple workshop with the government to support the regulatory process.

Mar 2026

New Research Drives Regulatory Action in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

LEEP in partnership with the Office Congolais de Contrôle (OCC), the government conformity assessment agency under the Ministry of Commerce, conducted two studies to…

Feb 2026

2025 in Review: Advancing Lead Elimination at Scale

2025 was a year of remarkable growth and foundational progress for LEEP.

Dec 2025

Pakistan Follow-up Paint Study Results

Pakistan is estimated to have the second highest level of childhood lead poisoning in the world.

partnerships

50 small grants across more than 40 countries

In addition to our programs, LEEP has awarded 50 small grants across more than 40 countries to NGOs, government agencies, and civil society organizations through our Local Action Fund, enabling locally led action to reduce lead exposure and protect children’s health. Additionally, our Opportunity Fund advances strategic, short-term projects that further our communal understanding of lead poisoning prevention.

See how paint programs work in practice

Paint Programs

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Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) is a nonprofit with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. (EIN: 87-3016729.) Contributions to LEEP are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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