If you painted your house between July last year and now, there is a high chance it has high levels of lead. According to a new study released yesterday, 35 out of 51 samples of solvent-based paints ( 69 per cent) in the Kenyan market contain lead concentration above the 90 parts per million. This is way above the recommended levels. The Kenya Bureau of Standards has developed limitation of lead concentration of all paints-manufactured or imported to a maximum to 90 parts per million. However, most paints manufacturers and importers are currently defying the standards and instead adding lead to their products. The analysis in one instance unearthed that 17 paints ( 33 per cent of the paints) contained dangerously high lead concentrations above 10,000 parts per million. Nineteen out of 21 analysed brands ( 90 per cent of paint brands) sold at least one paint with lead concentration above 90 parts per million. Also, 15 out of 21 analysed brands ( 71 per cent) sold at least one lead paint with dangerously high lead concentration above 10,000 parts per million. The analysis was conducted by the Centre for Environment Justice and Development in partnership with a global NGO-IPEN between July to September 2016. Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves and blood. Speaking during the launch of the report at Hotel Intercontinental, Nairobi, CEJAD programme coordinator Griffins Ochieng said, “Awareness and education is what is needed.” IPEN global lead paint elimination campaigner Jeiel Guarino challenged the government to ensure regulations are in place.