As part of the study, BBN and the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) tested 47 oil paints from 19 brands sold in Bujumbura. These were primarily brush-on oil paints, but also spray paints and dyes. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of the sampled brands sold one or more paints containing lead levels higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization. Some paints contained more than 1,000 times the safe limit. Some brands had claimed their paints were “lead-free” or “nontoxic” when the study found that they contained unsafe levels of lead.
Lead exposure has serious health effects, especially for children. It causes permanent damage to their developing brains, which affects their academic performance and future potential. Long-term exposure to lead can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Lead poisoning (lead poisoning) can be asymptomatic or manifest with mild symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, stomach aches or nausea, making it easy to go unnoticed. Lead poisoning from paint and other sources affects an estimated 3 million children in Burundi, costing the country $180 million in lost income each year.
BBN and LEEP research found dangerous levels of lead in products from six major paint brands and two smaller brands. Brush-on oil-based decorative paints and spray paints were found to be toxic. The most harmful paints were typically yellow and red.
Earlier this year, BBN hosted a meeting of key stakeholders to discuss the issue and identify clear actions to eliminate lead paint in Burundi. The results of the study have since been shared with the industry, and LEEP is supporting several major brands to help them eliminate lead from their products. BBN and LEEP plan to conduct a follow-up study to assess whether brands have reduced lead to levels that are safer for people’s health.
Lead exposure can be caused by a variety of sources, with paint being a significant source globally. New research from BBN and LEEP suggests that oil paint is likely a leading cause of childhood lead poisoning in Burundi.
Dr Jérémie NGENZAHAYO, Director General of BBN, said:
“The data from this first study provide clear evidence on this important issue. We urge manufacturers to immediately eliminate lead-based ingredients from their paints. LEEP is offering free support to manufacturers to help them with this process, and BBN encourages the industry to take advantage of this offer. BBN will take action to regulate lead in paints and create a nation free from the harms of lead paint exposure.
Dr Clare Donaldson, Co-Executive Director of LEEP, said: “LEEP is a research and development organisation:
“We applaud BBN’s initiative to conduct this important study and look forward to supporting the Burundian government’s efforts to regulate lead paint. As more manufacturers around the world transition to lead-free paint, we encourage Burundi’s industry partners to take advantage of LEEP’s free assistance offering. We are offering free technical assistance to industry partners looking to eliminate lead from their paint and work together to address this critical issue.
Mr. Christian Nimubona, Director General at the Ministry in charge of the environment
“The Ministry of Environment recognizes the economic impact of lead-related diseases in general and lead poisoning in particular, especially on children. This impact includes increased health care costs, lost productivity, and reduced economic growth. By addressing the problem of lead poisoning in Burundi, we can protect the health of our population and promote sustainable economic development.
The Ministry of Environment is calling on paint manufacturers to review their production processes to reduce lead content below the limit recommended by international standards. It is crucial to take deliberate steps to protect our children and our environment from the devastating effects of lead poisoning.”
Notes :
1. For more information, please contact the LEEP team at [email protected], or 227 96 19 21 22 or 44 7826 411936.
2.LLEEP is an international NGO that works with policy makers, regulators and industry to end the sale of lead paint. Its mission is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and improve the health and potential of children worldwide. LEEP is a member of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is currently working in thirty countries to eliminate lead paint. More information about LEEP is available at: Toxic Levels of Lead in More Than 27% of Oil-Based Decorative Paint Brands
3. More information on the study method: In June 2023, BBN, the Ministry of Environment, and LEEP purchased 47 cans of household solvent-based paint from paint and hardware stores in Bujumbura. When possible, three colors of each brand were included. Dried samples of the paints were prepared and sent to the Wisconsin Occupational Health Laboratory (WOHL). WOHL is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program and participates in the Environmental Lead Analytical Proficiency Testing Program. WOHL analyzed the samples for total lead using National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Method 7303. Total lead was expressed as parts per million (ppm) dry weight. The methodology is described in more detail in Kambarami et al. (2022) and Siddiqui et al. (2023).
Photo: par Walter Zerla/2009
2024-09-10 06:19:33