Paint is required to add the aesthetic finish and look to our buildings and infrastructure. Since antiquity, paints have been used in single shades or unique combinations which yield attractive outcomes. However, some paints contain hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals such as lead. Lead is a potent neurotoxin which has the ability to affect the nervous systems of young children.

Lead is used in order to accelerate drying, increase durability and prevent moisture from damaging the paint. In recent years, lead has been banned from paint across the world. Paint manufacturers have been told about the toxicological effects of lead in the population. Some have taken heed of the technical advice, whereas some have not dared to adjust the formulation of their paints.

Continued use of lead in paint can easily result in lead poisoning within the population and could also turn out to be fatal in the long run. Reduced sperm concentration, apoplexy, liver damage and kidney damage are some of the common conditions when an individual is exposed to lead in paint.

Despite development of various alternative substances, lead usage remains high in the paint manufacturing sector of selected countries. Where bans exist, effective enforcement needs to be scaled up. The emergence of backyard and cottage industries manufacturing paint also makes it difficult to totally eliminate lead in paint. If the world needs to overcome the scourge of lead poisoning and ensure environmental protection as well as human health and safety, action must start now to make the pain sector lead free.

Consumers too, play a very important role in preventing the usage of lead in paint by purchasing paint which is lead free. If a higher number of customers are selective, the end result is that there is a high consumer pressure on organisations which manufacture leaded paint. Consequently, a shift towards friendly alternatives will be achieved.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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