The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), together with the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) has released a study analyzing the lead content of decorative paints from nine countries.
The study finds that most of the paints tested would not comply with regulatory standards established in most highly industrialized countries.
22 October 2013: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), together with the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), has released a study analyzing the lead content of decorative paints from nine countries. The study finds that most of the paints tested would not comply with regulatory standards established in most highly industrialized countries.
‘Lead in Decorative Enamel Paints: National paint testing results,’ which includes information from Argentina, Azerbaijan, Chile, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia and Uruguay, also finds that: paints with extremely high concentrations (>10,000 ppm) of lead are still available in most countries; in most countries with lead paint, equivalent paint with no added lead is available; yellow, red and other brightly colored paints have the highest lead content; and few countries have established regulatory frameworks, but those that have, generally have lower lead paint concentrations.
The study was released as part of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint’s (GAELP) International Lead Poisoning Awareness Week, held from 20-26 October.
IPEN is a global network working to eliminate Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other toxic substances, and to establish and implement safe chemicals policies and practices that protect human health and the environment. [UNEP Press Release] [Publication: Lead in Enamel Decorative Paints: National Paint Testing Results] [GAELP Website] [IPEN Press Release] [UN Press Release]