While many use paint to cover the blemishes on their walls, each coat they apply could end up leaving a stain on the planet. Despite legally binding controls in 87 countries, lead is still commonly used in paint, and experts warn that it’s time to stop brushing aside the hazardous chemical’s human and environmental health impacts.Every year, an estimated 900,000 people die from lead exposure. Lead exposure can also result in increased risk of antisocial behavior, cardiovascular disease and reduced fertility. Studies have found that childhood exposure to lead results in economic losses of US$977 billion annually.The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is taking the lead in addressing this critical issue through pushing for stricter legislation and providing technical support. Alongside the Global Environment Facility, it recently published Lead Paint Reformulation Technical Guidelines to help manufacturers phase out lead. This builds upon UNEP’s long-running advocacy work, including a successful 20-year campaign to end leaded fuel.“Lead is extremely hazardous, and there’s no known level of exposure considered safe,” says Mihaela Claudia Paun, UNEP Programme Management Officer. “We must establish laws to phase out lead in paint. The newly released guidelines support evidence-based policymaking and inform decisions at all stages of the policy development process.”Putting the lid on lead.Lead is commonly added to make paint more vivid and moisture-resistant. But the production, use and decay of lead paint all release the chemical into the air, dust, and soil. From there, it is inhaled, ingested and comes into contact with skin. Lead paint is particularly popular in playgrounds and on furniture. Young children, people with occupational exposure and many living in older houses are especially vulnerable.However, lead exposure is preventable. The most effective measure is introducing laws that eliminate it at its source, say experts. In 2011, UNEP and the World Health Organization formed the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. A voluntary partnership between governments, academia, non-governmental organizations and paint companies, it is dedicated to phasing out paints that have intentionally added lead.The Alliance helps States develop and implement laws to curb the use of lead paint. It also encourages industry to voluntarily stop the manufacture, import and sale of lead paints and supports civil society groups and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the health and environmental impacts of lead paint
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