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
thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful information and ideas
Lead in paint is illegal to use here in the US. And with good reason! I had no idea until this article why it was ever added to begin with. Thanks for sharing this information.
Scary to read this! But glad because we have always used Asian paints.
that’s scary story about paints , My house is painted with asian paints , but not sure its lead free or not .thanks for sharing
Reading this was scary. It seems like one can never escape from some or the other ills. Thanks for highlighting the harmful effects of lead in the paints and creating awareness.
It’s sad to think lead is still being used in paints even though its toxic and the dangers are just so grave.
Yes that’s the bug problem that’s it’s still bring used rampantly
Yes that’s the big problem that it’s still bring used rampantly
i didnt know paint has so much amount of lead also lead is so harmful for health. Thanks for putting forward such a great topic and health hazard.
Richa
AllThatsMom
Omg who knew Paint had this much lead!!! You would assume Paint would be much safer
Shocking I know.But this needs to be known right?
I’ve never realized some of about lead paint, good to know about it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading
Here in Manila, lead free paints are expensive, so many still opt the industrial paints.
Yes that’s the scary part Blair ????
I’m glad your government eliminated lead-based paint. How scary. And I’m glad you have found what you need!
Not really eliminated .Just making a limit for house paint usage.But ita somethinh .Thanks for reading
So exciting about your new home. You should research Shannon from The Real Housewives of Orange County she built a total safe allergy free home.
That’s a big help Valerie .Will check this out
I knew paint had lead but I didn’t think it would people at such risk. Thanks for the read and i hope you find the lead-free paint you’re looking for.
Yes I hope so too .Thanks for reading
I didn’t realize so much about lead in paint. Thanks for the update!
xoxo
Isaly Holland
http://www.memoriesbyisaly.com
Thanks for reading
This is good to know! Lead in paint can get scary. We had some in the first house we lived in which is why they ended up bulldozing all the homes. (We lived on a military base.)
Yes that’s one way to get rid of the lead at one go.Thanks for reading
I don’t know if they sell this brand where you are, but check out Valspar for low VOC. You can also try Benjamin Moore, or Sherwin Williams. My guess however, is that they may be hard to find in your area. But it’s worth a try.
I will check these brands out.Thanks a lot for the suggestions.
With known dangers of lead, I hope that you are able to find the paint that you are seeking. Truly there should be no companies still making paint with lead when we know the unhealthy dangers.
Absolutely right.Wonder why this simple truth is not understood