Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The review article discusses the ongoing global concern regarding the use of lead-based paints and their health impacts, focusing on the production, trade, exposure, and risks associated with lead exposure through paint. The review highlights the efforts made by international organizations such as the WHO and UNEP, which endorsed the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP) to eliminate lead in paint by 2020. The article underscores the persistent challenges in achieving this target due to regulatory lapses, the widespread use of lead in paints in developing countries, and the limited enforcement of lead concentration standards. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the global situation, including the effectiveness of regulatory measures, the continued use of lead in certain regions, and the health and economic costs associated with lead exposure.
Who is affected?
The primary stakeholders affected by the issue of lead-based paint are consumers, especially children, in low and middle-income countries, where regulations and enforcement are often weaker. Populations living in older homes, particularly in developed countries where lead-based paint is still present in deteriorating conditions, are also at risk. The most vulnerable are children, as they are highly susceptible to lead exposure, which can cause severe developmental issues, including neurological impairments. Additionally, workers in paint production, industrial paint applications, and home renovation projects are also exposed to lead, particularly in areas where regulatory oversight is inadequate.
Most important findings
The review identifies several critical findings related to lead exposure from paints. First, while many countries have introduced regulations to limit lead in paints, a significant portion of the global market, especially in developing countries, still uses paints with high concentrations of lead. In countries like India, China, and many parts of Africa and Latin America, lead concentrations in paints often exceed internationally recognized safe thresholds. The review also highlights the high levels of lead found in paint used in toys, with many instances of non-compliance in countries with weak enforcement mechanisms. Regulatory oversight is particularly important in ensuring that lead-free claims on paint products are verified, as many products in developing regions still falsely advertise being lead-free while containing dangerous levels of lead.
Key implications
The findings emphasize the importance of tightening regulations on lead in paint products, particularly in developing countries where the lack of enforcement leads to continued exposure risks. Stronger regulatory oversight, better enforcement of existing standards, and third-party certification of lead-free claims are crucial to mitigating the public health risk. The article calls for harmonization of lead paint definitions and standards across countries to improve regulatory consistency and enforcement. For industries, this means adopting stricter internal standards and working towards the elimination of lead in all paint products. Public health campaigns and educational programs are also necessary to raise awareness about the risks of lead exposure and encourage safer practices in homes and workplaces.
Citation
O’Connor, D., Hou, D., Ye, J., Zhang, Y., Ok, Y. S., Song, Y., Coulon, F., Peng, T., & Tian, L. (2018). Lead-based paint remains a major public health concern: A critical review of global production, trade, use, exposure, health risk, and implications. Environment International, 121, 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.08.052
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
