Global study to determine lead in new decorative paints in 10 Countries
Paints in general are differentiated into decorative or architectural paints and industrial paints. Lead is used in paints mainly as colouring agents. Lead is also used to make paints more durable and corrosion resistant. Lead based paint in older houses has long been associated with elevated blood lead in children residing within them. Repeated studies have concluded that lead paint is a significant source of lead poisoning. Several recent studies have indicated the presence of lead in high concentrations in new decorative enamel paints available for purchase by the public in five countries. There is an urgent need to determine the lead content of paints in other countries to document the need worldwide for a ban on its continued use. Considering the dangerous effects of lead on human health several countries enacted laws to regulate the lead concentrations in paints.