Lead Exposure Elimination Project

We primarily focus on one major source of exposure: lead paint. We generate data on the extent of the problem, support governments with the introduction and enforcement of regulation, and assist manufacturers in switching to lead-free paints.

1. Stakeholder engagement: Develop our understanding of the local context, build partnerships, and begin collaborative conversations with government and industry stakeholders.

2. 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.

3. Government outreach: Share our 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.

4. Industry outreach: Provide technical assistance to manufacturers to enable them to switch to lead-free paint.

5. 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.

The Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) is an impact-driven non-profit that aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning, which affects an estimated one in three children worldwide.

Since our founding in September 2020:
- We’ve launched lead paint elimination programs in 14 countries across three continents

- We’ve received government commitments of regulation implementation in six countries and received reports of lead paint manufacturers switching to lead-free in four countries
- Founders Pledge estimates that it costs $1 to prevent one child’s lead exposure (in expectation) through our work, making LEEP one of their most cost-effective charity recommendations (as of August 2022)
- We’ve been named a Giving What We Can top charity
- We’re a partner of the WHO and UN Environment Programme's Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint
- We’ve received grants from major foundations, including Open Philanthropy and Schmidt Futures
- We’ve appeared in Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and Vox and our co-founders were named in Vox’s Future Perfect 50