Preventing Lead Poisoning from Paint

The WHO and other global health experts agree: there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and increasing evidence shows that even low levels of lead exposure are harmful to adults.

Lead exposure in young children is linked to harm to the developing brain, with increased rates of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, conduct disorder, juvenile delinquency, drug use, and incarceration. Impacts on brain development also lead to lower IQs and a loss of lifetime earnings, with nationwide impacts on the economy. Lead exposure impacts can lead to lifelong deficits. The WHO lists lead poisoning as one of the top ten diseases whose health burden among children is due to modifiable environmental factors, including lead paint. 

Lead paint is one of the most widespread sources of lead exposure today. Though many countries banned lead paint decades ago, it remains widely available around the world, especially in developing countries.

IPEN is working through the Rotterdam Convention to control exports of a key lead ingredient in lead paint. The Rotterdam Convention builds on a “Prior Informed Consent” (PIC) procedure whereby countries must be notified when listed toxic chemicals cross their borders. IPEN advocates for  listing lead chromate pigments under the Convention, so countries that ban lead paint can control imports and enforce their laws. This would also incentivize countries without lead paint restrictions to enact regulations.