PM: Georgia committed to addressing lead poisoning “comprehensively”, achieving “greater results” with “united global community”

Georgia is committed to addressing lead poisoning “comprehensively” and with “a united global community” it can achieve “greater results”, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Wednesday in his remarks at the World Economic Forum panel discussion - Towards a Lead-Free Future.

Garibashvili stressed that Georgia's “active involvement” in the European Environment and Health Process showcased the country's commitment to the goal of a lead-free future.

The country’s “steadfast commitment” to strengthening both human and technical capacities was highlighted by the PM, saying his Government aimed to “further develop” lead surveillance systems, conduct “thorough” research on lead poisoning sources and implement “effective mitigation” strategies, as well as to contribute to the reduction of the burden of lead exposure.

The Head of the Government said “we were honoured to be selected as a co-lead for a new cooperation mechanism among member states, promoting the use of Human Biomonitoring”, noting the country’s capital Tbilisi had hosted the seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in November 2023, with the partner countries of the World Health Organisation gathered to agree on priorities and promote human biomonitoring.

Georgia has “bolstered” the regulatory framework concerning lead-containing products, Garibashvili said and noted that under the Association Agreement signed with the European Union in 2014,  the country had implemented strict technical regulations controlling the manufacture, sale and import of construction paints since July 2023.

Additionally, to address potential risks, Georgia has enhanced its regulatory framework [in 2021] concerning the lead migration in toys, [...] focusing on ensuring the safety of toys”, the PM emphasised.

Garibashvili also talked about 24/7 air quality monitoring in the country, which includes sampling and analysis of heavy metals to detect lead content in major cities of Georgia. “The current results show that ambient air pollution may not be considered as a source of lead exposure”, he added.

The Head of the Government highlighted the “pivotal role” of international organisations in the global effort to combat lead poisoning and said Georgia was “fortunate” to receive “substantial support” from its “partners and friends”, including USAID, UNDP, WHO, as well as Germany and the Arctic University of Norway.