Lead and Cadmium: Priorities for action from UNEP’s perspective for addressing risks posed by these two heavy metals

Abstract

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been focusing on actions with regard to lead and cadmium since 2001 when the work of the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) was initiated. The development and finalization of the reviews of scientific information on lead and cadmium facilitated discussions among Governments in relation to the need for global action with regard to these heavy metals. UNEP continues to address priority areas for focusing to reduce risks posed by lead and cadmium. The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP) is a clear example for addressing those risks; however more work is expected to be done in relation to these key issues.

Keywords

• lead
• cadmium
• United Nations Environment Programme
• UNEP
• Governing Council
• PCFV
• GAELP