GEORGE TOWN – High levels of lead are found in cans of spray paint sold online, said Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), raising concerns over users inhaling the poisonous substance.
In conjunction with the eighth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, CAP conducted a study to determine lead levels in spray paints sold online and in Penang.
Tests are done in partnership with International Pollutants Elimination Network where 48 cans of spray paints purchased were analysed using a handheld x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
Twelve samples were found to contain lead with two registering more than 10,000 ppm (parts per million), with the highest being 19,261 ppm.
International conventions have capped lead levels in paint to 90ppm.
CAP has also conducted studies on lead content in enamel paint in 1992, 2004, 2007 and 2016.
Most were found to have high amounts of lead.
In 2016, CAP had made similar calls to the federal government to set regulations for lead in paint, emulating countries such as Canada, India, Thailand and the Philippines, among others.
“It is possible to manufacture paint without lead,” said CAP vice-president Fathima Mohd Idris, adding that it is primarily used for rapid drying and to prevent corrosion.
“Some 77 countries have brought in regulation to minimise or eliminate the usage of lead.
“We have removed lead in our petrol but we don’t have such regulations for paint.”
She said it is not difficult to draw up regulations against leaded paint because the United Nations has drawn up a model law.
“We don’t know why the government did not look into this since we brought it up in 1992. We send letters every year. This year, we want to send a memorandum and a model law.
“We hope the government will adapt, adopt and enforce it next year.”
Last year, CAP found high levels of lead in 11 of 17 playground equipment in the northern region.
There has been an ongoing effort by the UN to call for countries to regulate lead content.
Lead is found to be harmful to the brain, kidneys, liver, blood and reproductive system. Children are most susceptible to its effects.
Their system absorbs four to five times more lead than adults, leading to intellectual disability and behavioural issues, among others.
The International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week ends October 31. – The Vibes, October 28, 2020
