Environmental & Public Health International Joins UNEP–WHO Global Lead Exposure Prevention Initiative

Participation in the UNEP–WHO Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint supports upstream lead exposure prevention and equity-focused public health outcomes.

Press Release

Chicago, Illinois – January 12, 2026
Environmental & Public Health International® (EPHI) announced that it has formally joined the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, a joint initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) working to eliminate lead paint globally and prevent lead exposure.

The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint supports governments and stakeholders in strengthening legal frameworks, building institutional capacity, and promoting safer alternatives. Lead paint remains a major contributor to household lead exposure, particularly in older housing, where cumulative exposure risks may coexist alongside other sources, including drinking water infrastructure and legacy plumbing materials.

Preventing Lead Exposure Through Capacity Building

EPHI’s focus on preventing lead exposure through drinking water safety and public health capacity building is aligned with the objectives of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. EPHI’s work has centered on supporting public institutions in addressing lead risks associated with aging drinking water infrastructure within residential and community settings.

Lead exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly in communities with older housing stock where multiple exposure pathways, including drinking water, may coexist. Reducing risks from all sources is an important element of broader exposure prevention efforts.

Related SDG Engagement

The partnership aligns with EPHI’s recent engagement in United Nations environmental governance processes associated with UNEA-7 and preparations for the 2027 review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In recent stakeholder input, EPHI emphasized that progress on environmental sustainable development goals related to pollution, drinking water safety, cities, consumption, and climate should be evaluated through lived outcomes, particularly for communities facing disproportionate environmental and health burdens.

Focus on Equity, Accountability, and Measurable Outcomes

In its recent stakeholder submission to United Nations environmental governance processes, EPHI highlighted the importance of equity, local accountability, and institutional capacity in translating global commitments into tangible reductions in exposure, including lead-based hazards affecting housing, soil, and drinking water.

This approach underscores the importance of measurable, community-level outcomes as the basis for assessing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Alignment with United Nations UN80 System Reform

EPHI’s engagement is consistent with current system-wide United Nations reform efforts, including the UN80 Initiative, which emphasizes coherence, efficiency, and measurable impact across multilateral action for people and the planet.

“Preventing lead exposure is a core public health objective with direct equity implications,” said Anthony Ross, Director of Environmental & Public Health International. “Engagement with UNEP and WHO through this partnership reinforces the importance of measurable improvements across housing and drinking water environments where exposure occurs.”

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Anthony Ross
Director, Environmental & Public Health International
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