My home is three-quarters done. Now I need a good lead-free eco-friendly paint option in India. That’s why I am aggressively researching paints and services. I have already written about Lead poisoning a few years back. That needed an update. Since that time our government has decided to pass laws to restrict lead paint in household paints. But is that enough? A few questions need answering.
How is Lead used in paints?
It’s used as pigments. Lead carbonate or white lead makes the paint a white /cream color. Lead tetroxide is used to create bright red paint.
Why is lead used in paints?
- Lead helps in drying quickly.
- It makes the paint durable.
- Makes the paint moisture resistant.
- Its cheap
This made lead paints popular for use in homes, on metal exposed to the elements, and even children’s toys. Shocked?I was too when I researched for this article. Only lead paint at home is not a problem. Children can get exposed to industrial paints from various sources.
Both children and adults are at risk when exposed to lead paint. Paint applied to roads, highways, steel structures, industrial buildings, vehicles, and farm equipment all need to be free. When these paints grow old, it degrade, flake off and chips fall. This is the culprit behind long-term slow air pollution (by lead dust ) and soil contamination. This is a bigger problem when the paint is removed. The workers at these places are exposed to lead and take home this poison in their clothes, hair, skin.
The problem is industrial paints are applied to homes, schools, and consumer products. Where are the laws to stop schools and public places from using lead in paint?
Brands which have embraced lead-free and low VOC paint options include
- Kansai Nerolac
- Asian paints: Many products. They started their green assure product range 7 years back. They have also launched a new product Royale Atmos which absorbs VOC
- Berger paints Breathe Easy Emulsion
(Any other? Let me know. I will update)
The Indian Government has fixed the content of lead in house paints to less than 90 ppm. That’s a great initiative But more decisions need to be taken, quickly. Lead is a poison. It’s difficult to remove. It poisons the air, water, soil, and your food.
With Delhi pollution still a shocking reality, are we going to let our government dilly – dally with a known poison?
Both children and adults are at risk. The Government may do too little too late. Since you know this. What are you going to do now?
My wish :
Clean air, water, soil for all of us.
Resources:
1)G.S.R. 409(E) [08-04-2016] : Regulation on Lead contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016
2)http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/lead-content-limit-should-apply-to-all-paints-experts/article8602249.ece