Lead poisoning causes millions of deaths and IQ loss in children.

Lead poisoning is causing over five million deaths per year and is comparable to the threat of air pollution, according to a study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal. The study estimates that exposure to lead causes young children in developing countries to lose an average of nearly six IQ points each. Lead pollution, which can come from sources such as food, soil, cookware, and car batteries, has been linked to serious health problems including heart disease and impaired brain development in children.