About Drew McCartor

Lead Poisoning as a Global Crisis

Drew McCartor identifies lead poisoning, particularly from unsafe used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling, as one of the most underreported global health threats, affecting an estimated 800 million women and children.[10][6] He highlights turmeric adulteration and informal recycling practices in low- and middle-income countries as key vectors, interviewed in forums like Effective Altruism.[1] Pure Earth's audacious goal is to protect 500 million children by 2033, backed by The Audacious Project's funding announcement in 2025-2026.[6][17][18]

Pure Earth's Mission and Evolution

As President, McCartor leads Pure Earth's 25-year evolution from addressing chemical pollution hotspots to focused anti-lead campaigns.[9][8] He authors key blog posts on the organization's pollution blog, covering featured stories and lead pollution archives.[7][5][13] Pure Earth tackles the world's worst polluted places through advocacy, solutions, and partnerships.[4][11]

Advocacy and High-Profile Engagements

McCartor is set to speak at TED2026 on lead poisoning, amplifying Pure Earth's work.[2] He appears in media like GTVBreakfast interviews and is featured across Pure Earth's platforms and Twitter (@drewmccartor).[3][12] Recent grantee status with The Audacious Project underscores his role in catalyzing $1B for global change.[14][15][16]

Solutions to Pollution Challenges

McCartor promotes practical interventions against unsafe ULAB recycling, a crisis harming communities worldwide.[10][12] His writings stress scaling protections through policy, technology, and funding to prevent irreversible health impacts like cognitive damage in children.[6][9]