Pure Earth
Pure Earth is a New York-based nonprofit that partners with governments in 50+ low- and middle-income countries to implement evidence-based lead and mercury pollution reduction programs, supported by a global database of nearly 5,000 toxic sites and funded primarily through major philanthropic grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Pure Earth does
Pure Earth is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (legally Pure Earth Blacksmith Institute Inc.), founded in 1999, that designs and implements evidence-based programs to reduce lead and mercury exposure for children and pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. It operates through two core programs — the Global Lead Program and the Global Mercury Program — supported by an integrated 5-phase methodology (Reveal, Pinpoint, Reduce, Mobilize, Build) and a global network of nine country offices (Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, plus India and Kyrgyzstan program reach) staffed by more than 100 professionals.
Pure Earth's underlying technology stack centers on field-validated environmental and public health methodologies: blood lead level testing protocols, XRF-based consumer product screening, the Toxic Sites Identification Program (TSIP) database of nearly 5,000 contaminated sites with relative risk scoring, the Rapid Market Screening (RMS) methodology covering 25+ countries and 5,800+ samples, the Lumetallix Instant Lead Detection Kit (field assay), and an award-winning copper-plates technology for mercury capture from artisanal gold-mining tailings. The organization also operates the LeadPollution.org data platform and a public TSIP API for broader data access.
Pure Earth generates revenue almost entirely through philanthropic grants and donations from a concentrated set of major funders, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Audacious Project (TED), Open Philanthropy / LEAF ($17M committed), Takeda Pharmaceutical (~$7.1M), FFEM, UK FCDO, and the U.S. Department of State, supplemented by individual donations and modest commercial sales of the Lumetallix kit. Its go-to-market is a government-partnership model in which Pure Earth serves as implementing partner alongside multilateral bodies (WHO, UNICEF, CDC Foundation) and local ministries of health and environment across 50+ countries, having completed 339 projects to date.
Pure Earth firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pure Earth
- Legal name
- Pure Earth Blacksmith Institute Inc.
- Website
- https://pureearth.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pure Earth is a New York-based nonprofit that partners with governments in 50+ low- and middle-income countries to implement evidence-based lead and mercury pollution reduction programs, supported by a global database of nearly 5,000 toxic sites and funded primarily through major philanthropic grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pure Earth industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Health Services
- NAICS
- Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Remediation Services (562910), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Radiological & Hazardous Materials Monitoring (Radiation, Asbestos, Lead) (EUAHACAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Methodology Development & Standard-Setting Support (Protocols, Tools, Updates) (EUABACAN), Environmental Monitoring, Data & Reporting (Air/Water/Soil) (BPAIAMAC), Lead-Based Paint Abatement & Lead Hazard Control (BPALALAB)
Keywords
Where Pure Earth is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices8 records
Markets served
Pure Earth business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Philanthropic Grants and Donations: Pure Earth operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 13-4075779) that generates revenue primarily through grants from major philanthropies, development organizations, and individual donations. Major funders include Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Audacious Project (TED), Open Philanthropy, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, and various government aid agencies. The organization also accepts donations from individuals through its website.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Donations |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Lumetallix Lead Detection Kit |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Pure Earth product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pure Earth implements evidence-based programs to identify, assess, and remediate lead and mercury pollution in low- and middle-income countries. The organization partners directly with government ministries to conduct national blood lead surveys, pinpoint exposure sources, deploy targeted interventions, and build durable public health systems, operating two core programs (Global Lead Program and Global Mercury Program) across 50+ countries.
Product overview
Pure Earth is a global public health organization that implements evidence-based solutions to prevent lead and mercury exposure in low- and middle-income countries. The organization operates two core programs: the Global Lead Program (using a 5-phase approach of Reveal, Pinpoint, Reduce, Mobilize, and Build Systems) and the Global Mercury Program (focused on artisanal gold mining). Key products include the Toxic Sites Identification Program (TSIP) database of nearly 5,000 contaminated sites, the Rapid Market Screening Program, Lumetallix lead detection kits, Mined Without Mercury training, and the LeadPollution.org data platform. Pure Earth also operates country-specific initiatives across 9 offices worldwide and offers the Opportunity Fund grant program for local lead poisoning prevention projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Global Lead Program Evidence-based solutions to reduce and prevent lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries through a 5-phase approach covering blood lead surveys, source identification, exposure reduction, mobilization of political will, and durable system building. Targets governments in 50+ countries.
- Global Mercury Program Program focused on decreasing mercury emissions from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), including mercury-free mining training, tailings management, contaminated site restoration, and jewelry industry engagement.
- Toxic Sites Identification Program (TSIP) The largest global database of contaminated toxic sites, identifying nearly 5,000 sites in over 50 countries. Provides decision-makers with location, source, and impact data using a relative risk scoring system (0-10). Public API access available via contaminatedsites.org.
- Rapid Market Screening (RMS) Program Assessment program analyzing lead contamination in consumer products (metallic and ceramic foodware, paints, toys, cosmetics) across 25 low- and middle-income countries. Analyzed over 5,800 samples, finding 18% exceeded reference lead levels.
- Lumetallix Instant Lead Detection Kit Rapid field testing kit for instant lead detection in various samples. Available for purchase through Pure Earth's Innovation Lab section of the website, targeting researchers, public health workers, and consumers.
- Mined Without Mercury Training Training program for artisanal and small-scale gold miners in safe and profitable mercury-free mining techniques, including community workshops and technology transfer. Over 1,500 miners trained to date.
- CREA (Online Resource for Lead-Free Pottery Techniques) Online resource developed by Pure Earth Mexico to help traditional potters transition to lead-free pottery techniques while preserving cultural heritage and economic livelihoods.
- LeadPollution.org Global platform linking lead exposure data with evidence-based solutions. Part of the Lead Exposure and Action Data Hub (LEAD Hub) initiative designed to sustain and accelerate progress beyond direct country engagement.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99% reduction in lead-contaminated spices following intervention in Georgia
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Pure Earth
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Pure Earth technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Pure Earth partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Vital StrategiescoreImplementation partner for Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure project, collaborating on health surveillance and institutional strengthening activities.
- UNICEFcoreCo-published 'The Toxic Truth Report' (2020) with Pure Earth revealing that lead poisoning affects children on a massive scale. Ongoing collaboration on national BLL surveys and health surveillance.
- World Health Organization (WHO)coreImplementing partner in Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative. WHO provides normative guidance and global health leadership on lead poisoning prevention.
- CDC FoundationcoreImplementing partner in Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative, providing technical expertise on health surveillance and epidemiology.
- Lead Exposure Elimination ProjectcoreImplementing partner in Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative, focused on lead exposure elimination efforts.
- Resolve to Save LivescoreImplementing partner in Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative, contributing to global health efforts.
- Brilliant EarthcoreJewelry company providing grant to support female-led artisanal mining concession in Madre de Dios, Peru, enabling first Ecological Fairmined certified mining concession in the region. Increased Fairmined gold purchases by 27%.
- Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)coreCollaborated with Pure Earth Peru to achieve first Fairmined certification for mining communities in the Peruvian Amazon.
- Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030minorOrganization working on sustainability in the jewelry industry. Secretary General Iris Van der Veken received Pure Earth's Impact Award.
- Responsible Jewellery CouncilminorIndustry organization helping pave the way to mercury-free gold supply for the jewelry industry through partnerships with Pure Earth.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)minorCo-funder of SMEP project on used lead-acid battery recycling policy in Bangladesh.
- icddr,b (Bangladesh)minorInternational health research institution collaborated on testing 500 pregnant women and 898 children in Bangladesh.
- Stanford UniversityminorAcademic partner collaborating on blood lead testing research in Bangladesh.
- Ghana Health ServiceminorGovernment health agency partnered on blood lead testing of approximately 3,000 children across Ghana.
- Ghana Standards AuthorityminorGovernment standards body collaborated on testing and consumer product screening for lead contamination.
- Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (Philippines)minorGovernment research institute partnered on national BLL survey of children and pregnant women in 25 sites.
- Faculty of Medicine at University of IndonesiaminorAcademic partner for blood lead testing of children and adults in lead-affected areas of Indonesia.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pure Earth competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- UNICEF: UNICEF is a comparable global organization that co-published 'The Toxic Truth Report' with Pure Earth on lead poisoning in children and collaborates on national BLL surveys and health surveillance. While broader in mission, UNICEF's environmental health work directly overlaps Pure Earth's lead exposure programs.
- World Health Organization (WHO): WHO provides normative guidance on lead poisoning prevention and is an implementing partner with Pure Earth in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative. Comparable as a global public health authority addressing environmental determinants of disease in LMICs.
Direct peers
- Environmental Defense Fund: Environmental Defense Fund is a major environmental NGO that works on pollution prevention, mercury advocacy, and global health-environment intersections. Comparable as a science-driven nonprofit addressing toxic pollution with government and corporate engagement.
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): NRDC is a large environmental advocacy and science organization working on pollution, toxics, and public health policy globally. Comparable as an environmental health-focused nonprofit combining scientific evidence with policy advocacy and government engagement.
- IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network): IPEN is a global network of NGOs working to eliminate hazardous pollutants including lead and mercury. Comparable as a multi-country environmental health network operating in LMICs with scientific and policy capabilities focused on toxic pollution.
- Zero Mercury Working Group: Zero Mercury Working Group is an international coalition focused on eliminating mercury pollution globally, including from artisanal gold mining. Directly comparable to Pure Earth's Global Mercury Program mission and Minamata Convention advocacy work.
- Earthworks: Earthworks is a nonprofit focused on mining impacts including mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Comparable as a nonprofit working on ASGM mercury issues, though with a more US-focused advocacy orientation.
- Toxic-Free Future: Toxic-Free Future is a nonprofit working to eliminate toxic chemicals including lead from consumer products. Comparable as an environmental health nonprofit focused on toxic substance reduction in products and supply chains.
- Vital Strategies: Vital Strategies is a global health nonprofit that partners with Pure Earth as an implementing partner on the Bloomberg Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative. Comparable as a public health-focused organization working with governments on environmental health surveillance and policy implementation in LMICs.
- Resolve to Save Lives: Resolve to Save Lives is a global public health organization implementing partner alongside Pure Earth in the Bloomberg Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative. Comparable as a results-driven public health nonprofit executing country-level programs with measurable health outcomes.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses2 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Pure Earth social profiles
Digital presencePure Earth financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pure Earth leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Pure Earth funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pure Earth M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pure Earth
What does Pure Earth do?
Pure Earth implements evidence-based programs to identify, assess, and remediate lead and mercury pollution in low- and middle-income countries. The organization partners directly with government ministries to conduct national blood lead surveys, pinpoint exposure sources, deploy targeted interventions, and build durable public health systems, operating two core programs (Global Lead Program and Global Mercury Program) across 50+ countries.
Is Pure Earth a public or private company?
Pure Earth is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Pure Earth founded?
Pure Earth was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pure Earth based?
Pure Earth is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pure Earth make money?
One revenue line is on record: philanthropic Grants and Donations.
Who are Pure Earth's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO). Direct peers are Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network), Zero Mercury Working Group, Earthworks, Toxic-Free Future, Vital Strategies and Resolve to Save Lives.
Does Pure Earth have an API?
Yes. TSIP (Toxic Sites Identification Program) API tool released to broaden access to the global database of toxic sites. The API provides public access to data on nearly 5,000 contaminated sites across 50+ countries, including location, sources, potential impacts, and relative risk scores (0-10) based on environmental sampling and field data. Developer documentation is at www.contaminatedsites.org.
What industry is Pure Earth in?
Pure Earth's product category is Environmental Health Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAHACAJ, Radiological & Hazardous Materials Monitoring (Radiation, Asbestos, Lead), with a secondary code of EUABACAN, Methodology Development & Standard-Setting Support (Protocols, Tools, Updates). Its NAICS code is 541620 and its SIC code is 8731.