We specialise in eliminating sources of lead exposure, and paint is where we work at the greatest scale. How we approach other sources, such as spices and traditional eyeliners, depends on what the evidence and our experimentation will show.
RESEARCH AND PILOT PROGRAMS
Spices
Across South Asia, turmeric is sometimes adulterated with lead chromate — a vivid yellow pigment added to enhance color — at concentrations that can reach thousands of times the legal limit, putting millions of people at risk of lead poisoning.
LEEP works with food authorities to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations, providing training in identifying adulterated turmeric and supporting market surveillance, alongside engaging wholesalers and raising consumer awareness.
RESEARCH AND PILOT PROGRAMS
Traditional eyeliners
In countries across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, traditional eyeliners (known as surma, kohl, or tiro, for example) are applied to children's eyes as part of long-standing cultural and religious practices. These products are traditionally made from galena, a lead sulfide rock, and few users are aware they can contain lead. LEEP's testing has found some eyeliners that are more than 80% lead by weight.
LEEP is piloting interventions to reduce this exposure through regulation, industry engagement, and risk communication.
RESEARCH AND PILOT PROGRAMS
Water
Lead can enter drinking water through pipes, fittings, and other water system components. Yet in many low- and middle-income countries, there is little reliable data on how widespread the problem is.
LEEP is beginning to conduct screening studies of piped drinking water to establish whether lead concentrations exceed the WHO guideline of 10 parts per billion, using rapid field testing backed by laboratory analysis when relevant.
Where significant lead is found, LEEP plans to follow up with larger-scale testing to identify the sources of contamination and inform interventions with water authorities and governments.
RESEARCH AND PILOT PROGRAMS
Used lead-acid batteries
Unsafe recycling of used lead-acid batteries is increasingly recognised as a major source of lead exposure.
LEEP has funded early work on this source and is exploring whether and how to do more.