This WHO policy brief presents the consequences of lead exposure on human health and details its toxicity in the body system explaining why it is important to reduce the use and releases of lead, and to reduce environmental and occupational exposures, particularly for children and women of childbearing age.

The policy brief also lists the sources of lead releases and contamination in industrial process, drinking water and domestic sources. The brief also gives guidelines for tolerable intake levels of lead and presents risk mitigation recommendations such as eliminating the use of lead, preventing exposure, monitoring and educating the public.