Pure Earth Philippines

17/07/2026

Took more than 25 years to get here. Finally, Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning takes center stage at TED Talk! Watch it through the link below and let’s altogether pitch in the work needed to protect the coming generations.

In his TED Talk, Drew breaks down what's driving the lead poisoning crisis, why it remains so neglected, and how Pure Earth's Audacious project is working to protect more than 500 million children.

15/07/2026

Pure Earth President Drew McCartor took the TED 2026 stage, and today we're sharing his talk with the world.

Lead poisoning causes an estimated 3.5 million deaths globally each year and strips children of 765 million IQ points, annually. It's one of the most overlooked public health crises in the world — and one of the most solvable.

Our team in The Philippines works every day to help raise awareness, mobilize action, and institutionalize systems to protect the next generation of children from its harm. We’re honored to see our efforts highlighted on the TED stage.

06/06/2026

Showed up early on a rainy weekend to promote at Valenzuela City Health Office’s Boss Ikaw Naman Walkathon and Fun Run for Men’s Health Awareness Month!

Run Strong. Live Lead-Free.

05/06/2026

We are grateful to the full support of the City Government of Valenzuela represented by Councilor Lorie Natividad-Borja and Councilor Niña Lopez, Office of Valenzuela 2nd District Congressman Gerald Galang, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Valenzuela City led by Dr. Noel D. Bagano, Caruhatan East Elementary School headed by Dr. Levy J. Acuña, as well as the teachers, staff and parents who attended today’s kick off of in time for Brigada Eskwela x Balik Eskwela x World Environment Day!

05/06/2026

at Caruhatan East Elementary School in Valenzuela City

✅ Reported results of rapid classroom-based lead exposure source assessment

✅ Distributed “May Tingga Yan” interactive community education material

✅ Donated lead-free cookware for the central kitchen and

✅ Handwashing supplies for the school

✅ Launched the lead awareness mural and

✅ Signature Campaign for House Resolution 1028, adopting ILPPW as a National Child Protection Mechanism Against Lead Exposure

✅ Advocated for Lead-Safe Schools

05/06/2026

Brigada Eskwela x Balik Eskwela mode on nationwide!

Teachers, staff, students, parents, local governments and volunteers are busy preparing for the opening of the new school year.

Lead exposure remains a significant environmental health concern, particularly among children. It may cause learning difficulties, behavioral problems, developmental delays, and long-term health complications. This checklist helps schools prevent lead exposure from drinking water, paint, dust, soil, school supplies, and renovation activities. The goal is to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for all students and staff.

Let’s all make a move

05/06/2026

From awareness to action. Let’s say

04/06/2026

Today, we did a quick lead-check at Caruhatan East Elementary School as part of our Brigada Eskwela, Balik Eskwela Campaign “Ligtas sa Lead: Ligtas na Kapaligiran, Ligtas na Kalusugan, Ligtas na Pagkatuto.”

This is in support of Valenzuela City Government’s mainstreaming of their Lead Exposure Prevention and Child Protection Ordinance.

Let’s say

01/06/2026

It was with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) that we were able to first integrate Blood Lead Level (BLL) screening in the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) 2021-2022. In that survey of close to 3000 children ages 6-9 nationwide, almost 9% were detected to have levels equal or above 3.5 ug/dL. Thus, it is estimated that 1 million children in such age group are potentially lead poisoned.

In this recent meeting with FNRI, we talked about having a national baseline BLL, regular inclusion of BLL in future ENNS, research collaboration to determine lead contamination in staple foods/diet, and complementation in awareness and capacity building initiatives.

We hope for sustainable and expanded partnerships towards lead-free futures.