LEEP is an international NGO that works with governments and industries in low- and middle-income countries to reduce lead poisoning and improve the health, wellbeing, and potential of children worldwide.

They drive effective policies to eliminate lead poisoning across the globe.

Lead is an invisible toxin: Globally, an estimated one in three children has dangerous levels of lead in their bloodstream. Exposure to lead irreversibly affects a child’s cognitive development, undermining their potential, and causes cardiovascular disease, anemia and kidney damage.

Lead paint is widespread: An important cause of lead exposure is lead paint, which is unregulated in 55% of countries globally. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure from flaking paint and contaminated dust.

Lead exposure is preventable: Alternative, non-lead-based ingredients for paint exist and have been on the market for decades in many countries. Elimination of leaded petrol was a global success story. We can do the same for paint.

WHAT LEEP DOES

• Conduct paint studies to obtain country-specific data
• Support governments in implementing lead paint regulations
• Provide technical assistance to help paint manufacturers switch to lead-free

LEEP is a partner of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, was incubated by Charity Entrepreneurship, and is supported by Schmidt Futures, Greenbridge Family Foundation, Founders Pledge, Open Philanthropy, and a number of generous individuals.

LEEP is one of two organizations that Rethink Priorities recommended in its 2021 report for those who want to fund direct lead exposure work. LEEP is recommended as a high impact funding opportunity by Founders Pledge and is supported by Giving What We Can.

APPROACH

• Stakeholder engagement: Develop their understanding of the local context, build partnerships, and begin collaborative conversations with government and industry stakeholders.
• Conduct paint study: Determine whether and to what extent lead-based paints are available on the market. If paints are lead-free, end the project at this point.
• Government outreach: Share their research with relevant government ministries and seek commitments for new regulation or enforcement of existing regulation. Provide support as needed, such as in drafting new laws. 
• Industry outreach: Provide technical assistance to manufacturers to enable them to switch to lead-free paint.
• Conduct followup paint study: After regulations are newly implemented or enforced, carry out another study to ensure that lead-based paints have successfully been replaced. Provide further assistance to government and industry as necessary.  

LEEP IS:

Impact-driven: Their goal is to improve the lives of children worldwide as much as they can. They are driven by cost-effectiveness and results, and regularly assess their progress.

Truth-seeking: They base their work on evidence when they can. They are transparent, and share their successes and failures. They embrace truth, even when it isn’t convenient.

Collaborative: Multiple actors need to work together to eliminate lead paint. They aim to assist their partners, governments and paint manufacturers with the specific support they need to make lasting change.