Lead Paint Map Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Lead NGO - Centre for Environmental Justice CEJ

Results from National Sampling
No.Samples - 33
Median ppm - 34
% > 90 ppm - 45
%>600 ppm - 45
Average (ppm) - 15927
1. In general, plastic samples have low lead concentrations (less than 90 ppm).
2. Enamel paint samples have high lead concentrations (more than 600 ppm; lead concentrations ranging up to 14 percent).
3. Only one company, ICI, has its enamel products containing lead in lower concentrations.

National NGO Activities Launching Global Lead report in a multi-stakeholder Forum

Activities The report will be launched in a multi-stakeholder meeting in Colombo, where up to 100 people will be invited. A press release, poster and brochure will be produced.

National NGO Documents and Information   Press release, poster, brochure
Brochure and two posters

  Brochure   as a .pdf 970KB.

  Large Poster   as a .pdf 877KB.

  Poster Image as a .jpg 985KB.

Press Releases

More Paint brands found with high lead levels

06th April 2010, Colombo- As a result of the continuous research on lead in paint, Centre for Environmental Justice found another three paint brands with high lead levels including a brand which has obtained the SLS standard.

The latest results show that 10 enamel paint samples out of 14 samples tested contain lead as high as 42495 mg/kg. The paints with yellow, green and orange colours contain high lead levels.

It is unfortunate that while most paint manufacturers produce lead free paint for the international market, they still produce leaded paints for the local market. This is a grave injustice for the local consumers.

Therefore we demand all leaded paint to be removed from the local market as well. We also request the paint manufacturers to establish a mechanism to give free advice to the local consumers on safe removal of old lead paint and application of new lead free paint.

We advise all the paint consumers to avoid lead paint and always request lead free paint from the retail shop.

We believe that it is time for the Consumer Affairs Authority and other agencies to accelerate their actions to protect consumers from lead paint.

Lead in paint is highly toxic to the children. Eliminate lead paints and save your child.

Buy only lead free paint this New Year Season.

More information

Hemantha Withanage, Executive Director
Chamali Liyanage, Environmental Officer
Centre for Environmental Justice
Tel: 0112683282 email: info@ejustice.lk

Mandatory Standards necessary for decorative paints in Sri Lanka

08 March 2010, Colombo- This refers to the Lead in Decorative paints Global Study conducted by the Toxics Link and International POPs Elimination Network in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Justice, Sri Lanka and other organisations in ten countries.

The research was carried out only for the randomly selected products of four brands out of dozens of brands available in Sri Lanka. It was found that all samples contain lead in different levels which are as low as 4 ppm to as high as 137, 325 ppm. Except one brand, other enamel paint samples exceed the permitted level which is 600 ppm as per the SLS standards.

No limit has been mentioned in the SLS standards for emulsion paints. The limit given under the United States is only 90 ppm. Except one sample, all other emulsion paint samples contained less than 90 ppm of total lead concentration.

It has been brought to our notice that one paint manufacturer in Sri Lanka has claimed that they are the only Sri Lankan brand whose paints are safe from lead and environment friendly according to the international standards. Meanwhile, one or more manufacturers claim that they too have lead free paint. We believe that no manufacturer or retailer of paints in Sri Lanka can claim that their paints are free of lead without presenting systematic, independent test results that can verify such a claim. We like to bring to the notice of general public that "Our tests were not exhaustive, we did not test paint from every manufacturer, and we only did random sampling from a few manufacturers. We therefore advice refrain from taking undue competitive advantage from the study.

Mr. Hemantha Withanage, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Justice said that “current SLS voluntary standards are not sufficient for curbing lead in Paint. We are very concern about the silence of the Government agencies. It is our understanding that the Consumer Affairs Authority, Ministry of Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and Sri Lanka Standards Institution should take actions to provide MANDATORY STANDARDS and to ENACT REGULATIONS for manufacturers to comply with.”

Lead has been recognized as a prime toxic by WHO, impacting over 40 million children worldwide. Lead in paints had been responsible throughout the world for being a silent poison – particularly when used on walls and items that children would lick or chew.

Centre for Environmental Justice

More information please contact: Hemantha Withanage, Executive Director and Chamali Liyanage, Environmental Officer Telephone 0112683282 email: info@ejustice.lk

Media coverage

The national meeting on Pb in paints was organized and the following are the links that reported the issue:

The Island-
http://www.island.lk/2010/02/11/news4.html

The Island - editorial
http://www.island.lk/2010/02/12/editorial.html

The Island – opinion
http://www.island.lk/2010/02/20/opinion1.html

Lankaenewspapers.com-
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2010/2/54043.html

LankaTimes.com-
http://www.lankatimes.com/fullstory.php?id=24839

Lankapuwath- http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5854&Itemid=70

Island Newspaper on 21 June -
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=455
see full text below

The Sunday Leader
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/02/28/lead-free-paint/

Lead Free Paint
Posted by admin on Feb 28th, 2010 and filed under Business.

Multilac paints announces that their entire product range is lead free and non toxic, making them totally environmental friendly in keeping with the company’s green innovation policy. Multilac’s research team continues to pursue better and more innovative solutions for the future. With a company theme based on achieving leadership through innovation & excellence, Multilac today has succeeded in winning the hearts & minds of Sri Lanka’s and the world’s most discerning consumers.

In anticipation of a growth soon to be experienced in the construction industry, Macksons Paints, manufacturers of Sri Lanka’s very own Multilac, recently unveiled an innovative range of products at the Architects Exhibition.

Among the innovative range of products are the Non Yellowing White, Self levelling Flooring Systems, Paint with Pearl Effects, Clear Shield, Texture Finishes and the Milano Water based Wood care range.

Having pioneered products such as the Colour Bank, Water Proofing Sealer and many others that have set a new benchmark in the paint industry in Sri Lanka, Multilac is now poised to take on the new spurt of development in the country.

“At Multilac, quality and innovation are key areas that drive us to introduce new products to our customers,” says General Manager.Ramesh Perera. “We develop products that meet specific customer needs, solutions that provide the customer with exceptional quality and choice.”

White
Multiac’s Non Yellowing White Enamel is one such unique product that understands and overcomes the flaws of the normal white enamel paint available in Sri Lanka. The widely used white enamel paint tends to turn yellow in a short space of time and gets worse as time goes by, forcing customer to paint more frequently.

The brilliant white enamel paint, industry experts point out, turn an off white colour in about 3 – 6 months, whatever the surfaces are-wooden surfaces, grills, door frames, etc.

Having identified a need for a paint the customers can rely on, Multilac’s research team has revolutionized the enamel paint industry with the Multilac Non Yellowing Brilliant White which keeps the white looking brilliant always.

Available in two finishes, Multilac Non Yellowing White Gloss and Egg Shell, the Multilac Brilliant White Enamel Paint is available in 200 ml., 500 ml., 1 litre, 4 litre & 20 litre packs.

Industry sources say that even though the initial cost of applying Multilac Non Yellowing White Enamel maybe a little more than ordinary white enamel, when compared to having to paint a surface over and over again, the initial cost is indeed an investment that promises to be an effective and a reliable solution in the long run. The cost of labour being much more than the price of paint, this product will be a valuable solution.

Multilac Self Levelling Flooring System enters the market as the newest product in Macksons Paints High Performance Coating Range. Recommended for areas with high traffic that need long lasting protection and must ensure safety, Macksons Paints High Performance Self Levelling Flooring is considered the ideal solution for industrial areas such as airports, car parks, sports complexes, cinema halls, etc.

Available in a coating thickness of 250 microns up to 20 mm., Multilac’s new product provides Sri Lankan companies the opportunity to use it in a cost effective manner instead of having to import such products. Multilac Pearl Effects is just what today’s interior designers have been waiting for-a soft and glowing finish for a luxurious finish.

Multilac Pearl Effects is a high quality decorative paint for interior application developed by Multilac’s team of research experts with a professional glitter finish in mind.

Gold
Available in Pearl, Gold & Silver, the paint can be easily applied with a roller brush on inside walls for outstanding and innovative décor purposes. The paint can be sprayed on a large surface if needed and is ideal for application on interior walls, pottery, statues, gypsum board, banners, wood panels, ceiling sheets and fabrics.

If needed, Multilac Pearl Effects is available for exterior finishes on request. Pearl effects are now available for architects and will be available at all Colour Banks in the near future.

Multilac’s Texture Coatings -Texture Coatings has been recognized for its exceptional decorative aspects in the field of architectural texture coating systems internationally.

It is technically advanced and two coat acrylic systems provide a contemporary look on brick walls as well as concrete and cement render surfaces.

It gives an aesthetic textured appeal to meet the needs of the commercial & domestic building markets and homes.

“The use of texture coatings in Sri Lanka is at its infancy. The lack of skilled painters & unavailability of the product freely in the market place and the high cost of imported products has prevented the Sri Lankan consumer from using it.

“At Multilac we have trained professionals who could undertake any size of buildings and provide solutions. Also our dedicated training institute is geared to train painters all over the country.

The texture paints are generally applied by using a specialty spray gun or a texture roller.

Now the Sri Lankan consumer has the opportunity to try creating effects such as Egyptian Architecture or Italian designs in their homes or offices with a combination of texture coatings & over coated with pearl effects. Multilac Supreme Life Water Proofing Clear Shield is a durable top coat. It’’s manufactured for protection of stone based tiles, statues, exterior walls, Terracotta or any porous surface that is exposed to regress weather conditions. It prevents absorption and penetration of moisture & water to the surface and applied while maintaining the beauty & aesthetic appeal of the surface applied for year after year.

The Milano wood care range is manufactured with Italian collaboration and offers the customer a unique product that is environmentally friendly. It gives protection from elements such as sun, rain, sea breeze for all wooden doors, windows, garden fence & furniture, including office furniture, pool furniture, wooden roofing, wooden panelling & chalets. The wood care does not crack, peal or discolour once applied due to its superior elasticity. Additionally the Milano wood care range is free from hazardous chemical vapours, dries faster than non water based products and is fire resistant. Highly recommended for exposed wooden structures when compared to the ordinary solvent based Nitro cellulose systems which tend to fade fast & pollute the environment with hazardous vapours, Milano is the ideal product for today’s home or office.

Multilac’s unique range of paint and surface solutions continue to provide customers, industrial or domestic, with products that fulfil felt needs while enhancing and adding value and protection to the surfaces. Surface protection is indeed a need time and again required in a country such as Sri Lanka where sunlight and humidity can affect the outcome of surface and paint solutions faster.

The Island On Line
http://www.island.lk/2010/02/25/features3.html

Lead in Decorative Paints
By Chamali Liyanage
Centre for Environmental Justice

A scientific research carried out by Centre for Environmental Justice has found that some paints produced in Sri Lanka contain Lead exceeding permitted limits!

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized lead as a prime toxic. It has impacts on over 40 million children worldwide, over 97 percent of who live in developing countries. Lead poisoning statistics show that there are still a high number of people adversely affected by the metal’s harmful effects, but these poisoning statistics may not even be a real indicator of how serious the problem is.

The primary sources of lead exposure among children are lead-based paints and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in and around old, deteriorating buildings.

Centre for Environmental Justice together with the International POPs Elimination Network and Toxics Link, have launched the "Children’s Health First: Eliminate Lead Paints" global campaign, which aims to both eliminatelead paint and promote safer alternatives via the "Global Partnership to Eliminate Lead from Paint under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)".

According to the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, the permitted Lead level for enamel paints is 600 ppm. But the findings reveal that some Sri Lankan paints exceed heavily the desired limits of Lead, in enamel paints.

Lead is a metal with no known biological benefit to humans (WHO). It is also common knowledge that lead is added to paints to speed drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Environments for Children Alliance, "There is no known safe blood lead level but it is known that, as lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms and affects also increases." In 2002, WHO’s World Health Report identified lead exposure as one of twenty leading selected risk factors contributing to the global burden of disease.

One of the largest causes of lead exposure is lead-contaminated dust from decaying paint. Children under six are more vulnerable to lead poisoning and lead ingestion and poisoning typically occurs through hand-to-mouth activity.

Europe had banned the use of lead in household paints by 1935, while the United States by 1971. But still developing countries produce lead paints.

To analyze the Lead level in Sri Lankan paints, a global scientific study of "Lead in New Decorative Paints" was carried out by CEJ and Toxics Link in collaboration with International POPs Elimination Network.

Key findings of the research:
All tested paint samples contain lead.
Among tested enamel samples, 69% exceeded the current Sri Lanka lead in paint standard of 600 ppm.
* The highest sample contained 137 325 ppm (14%) lead, 1526 times greater than the US limit of 90 ppm and 228 times the Sri Lankan limit.
* Other tested enamel samples contain high levels such as 133463, 55237, 21116, 20904 ppm etc.
* One emulsion sample contains 45743 ppm (5%) of Lead.

On this issue, CEJ launched a national programme of "Lead in new Decorative Paints" on 10th February 2010 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in the presence of relevant government authorities from Sri Lanka Standards Institution, Consumer Affairs Authority, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Central Environmental Authority, Industrial Technology Institute, National Science Foundation and Health Ministry, University Academics, Medical Doctors, representatives from paint companies and environmental activists.

The outcome and future work of the meeting includes to make the relevant government authorities aware of the issue and force them to enact regulations to ban lead paints and introduce safer alternatives and also carry out continuous monitoring to prevent violation of the current standards and also to make it compulsory to indicate whether the paint contains lead and if so to specify the level.

Let the public know that Lead is a prime toxic and treat it in the way it deserves.

Killer of tender brains found in paint
by Ifham Nizam
Island Newspaper:

A study has revealed that the lead concentration in different types of paint used in Sri Lanka is so high as to pose a serious health threat to the public, especially children.

"Lead is a poison and it should not be in paint or other products to which children are exposed," Centre for Environmental Justice, Executive Director, Hemantha Withanage said at a discussion held yesterday at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo.

He said that the study had found lead in 33 paint samples out of 33 tested. "Fifteen paint samples exceeded the permitted 600 parts per million-ppm- lead levels for paints here."

He said of the 15 odd paint brands only, the four leading ones were tested. Apart from one brand, all others did not meet the standards, he said.

Withanage believes that labelling is of paramount importance and safer alternatives should be promoted.

He said: "The highest sample contained 137,325 ppm lead which is 1526 times greater than the US limit and 228 times higher than Sri Lanka standards."

He said Europe had banned lead in paint in the 1920s. "What are we waiting for when safer alternatives are available? We need to protect our children and eliminate lead from paint."

Lead threatens a child’s brain development and health. "Lead poisoning of children should be taken seriously and parents should be aware of possible pathways of exposure including lead paint in one’s home."

National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, Deputy Director, Dr. Champika Amarasinghe, said that 660 ppm was permissible and if it could be reduced further, it would be most desirable.

She said lead caused irreversible damage to the nervous system.

According to the World Health Organization, lead is a prime toxic. It has impacted on over 40 million children worldwide, over 97 per cent of whom live in developing countries.

Lankapuvath, National News Agency of Sri Lanka: Paint Contain Harmful Substance for Brain Development

(Colombo Lankapuvath February 11) A study of new household paint sold in Sri Lanka found that many paints contained lead.

The study found lead in 33 paint samples out of 33 tested (100%), fifteen samples exceeded permitted lead levels for paint in Sri Lanka said a release issued by the Centre for Environmental Justice.

The study is the first study of lead in paints conducted in Sri Lankan and global where it analyzed 19 enamel paint samples from 4 brands and 69% exceeded the current US lead in paint standard of 90ppm. The highest sample contained 137,325 ppm lead, 1526 times greater than the US limit and 228 times higher than Sri Lankan standards said the release.

Lead causes irreversible nervous system damage and decrease intelligence at extremely low doses. Exposure of lead in childhood has been associated with lower vocabulary and grammatical reasoning scores.

The US EPA has determined that lead is a probable human carcinogen. According to the World Health Organization, lead is a prime toxic. It has impacted on over 40 million children worldwide, over 97 per cent of who live in developing countries. It effects the development of the brains of children.

A 'Colourful' Killer
Friday, 12 February 2010 - 9:29 AM SL Time:

The tragic end of a family, save one member, in Polgasowita shocked us beyond measure recently. A father doused his children and wife with petrol and set them on fire and took his life in the same way. Such fathers are, no doubt, an exception and we are not short of caring dads even ready to lay down their lives for their children. But, even the good parents whose reason d` tre is the wellbeing of their broods unwittingly expose their precious ones as well as themselves to an insidious killer.

Yesterday, we reported the findings of a scientific study on lead levels in regular paints. Most of them contain an extremely high lead concentration far in excess of the tolerance level. Director of the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Hemantha Withanage has revealed, at a forum in Colombo recently, the danger Sri Lankan children are exposed to because of high lead levels in paints. According to him, in fifteen samples of paints examined by experts, lead levels were extremely high one sample contained a lead level which was 1,526 and 228 times greater than the permitted limits in the US and Sri Lanka respectively!

Lead adversely affects the brain development in children besides the health of everybody. Deputy Director of the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety Dr. Champika Amarasinghe has said the damage lead causes to the nervous system is irreversible.

The danger of lead poisoning is only too well known. It is also believed to have contributed to the fall of the mighty Roman Empire to some extent. Wine made in lead lined vessels and the lead water pipes led to Romans consuming a great deal of lead daily. Gout, therefore, became common among wealthy Romans including the ruling and military elite. Towards its end, the Roman Empire came to be characterised by a chronic lack of mental health due to lead poisoning or Saturnine Gout. Galen of Pergamum famously said, `Gout is the daughter of Bacchus and Venus.` Emperors like Caligula and Nero known for their bizarre behaviour were said to be afflicted with gout.

We have no empire to mind but if the health authorities continue their slumber and allow all sorts of goods, including children`s food replete with carcinogenic MSG etc injurious to public health, to be dumped here, our population will be too sick to rule this little country in a few decades. (Is it that we are already being ruled by such a bunch with gout?)

It is surprising that the government which took steps, albeit with a protracted delay, to relive our children of the unnecessary burden of their extra large school bags which had turned them into little natamis (porters) has turned a Nelsonian eye to a far worse threat to their health. Some years ago, unleaded petrol was introduced and vehicle emission tests were made mandatory in this country. They were steps in the right direction in protecting the public. A similar effort is called for to battle lead contamination. One of our readers yesterday suggested that the government step in urgently to ensure that lead levels are prominently mentioned on labels of cans of paint so that the unsuspecting customers, who usually go by advertising, prices, discounts etc in making purchases, could make an informed decision without risking their health. This suggestion should be heeded.

As CEJ director has rightly said, `Lead is a poison and it should not be in paint or any other product to which children are exposed.` Let this remark ring in the ears of health authorities and those responsible for consumer safety.

The government introduced the Mathata Thitha programme to battle drug addiction and dipsomania. It should give serious thought to launching similar project to prevent the country from being used as a dumping ground for goods contaminated with toxins. It may call it Visata Thitha ('Full stop to Poison').

Sunday Observer
Sri Lank's English Newapaper with the largest circulation

Lead in paints poses health risk by Jayampathy Jayasinghe
Sunday, 28 February 2010

Lead, a potent chemical hazard, is being used in the manufacture of paints in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.

The Chief Executive Officer of Akzo Nobel Paints Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Gerald de Saram told a media briefing last week that some of the chemicals used in the paint industry are extremely dangerous.

He said a partnership should be set up among NGOs, businesses and the regulatory authority to monitor the standards in this industry.

He said the public who come in to contact with decorative paints should be aware and be extremely careful of the products they use. Lead is found in decorative paints used in households which were quite different from paints used in industries, on ships, cars and aircraft.

A report published by the International Pops Elimination Network. (IPEN) has said the level of lead in paints produced by Akzo Nobel was even less than the standard set by the network.

He said it was dangerous to use paints with a high percentage of lead. However, most paints contain lead. “But the issue is whether we are able to manage lead to the relevant safety standards when it affects people, especially children. Lead is a toxic substance to which children are vulnerable.

It breaks down tissue cells and causes reproductive problems. You come into contact with lead through paints and automobile fuel emissions. So, these things have to be monitored,” he said.

Meanwhile, a global study conducted for IPEN by Dr. Abhay Kumar of India has found that paints that contain toxic lead have had an impact on 40 million children mostly in developing countries.

The study found that the children were affected by the paints used on walls, on toys and on furniture. Even a study conducted by the World Health Organisation has found lead to be a primary toxic substance.

Saram said they have done away with the wood preservative business despite the company being the market leader in Sri Lanka. “It was said to be harmful to our customers. Profit should not come to us at the cost of harming our customers.”

He said Western companies were more sensitive to quality standards than Asian companies.

http://sundaytimes.lk/100411/BusinessTimes/bt31.htm

Business Times
More toxic lead paint brands uncovered

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) is demanding that all leaded paint be removed from the market after uncovering more paint brands with high lead levels including a brand which has obtained the Sri Lanka Standard (SLS). A statement by the CEJ this week disclosed that after continuous research on lead in paint which is highly toxic to children, the latest results show that 10 enamel paint samples out of 14 samples tested contain lead as high as 42495 milligrams per kilogram. Paints with yellow, green and orange colours contain high lead levels.

The statement issued by CEJ Executive Director Hemantha Withanage advises consumers to only buy lead free paint during the New Year season. He said it is unfortunate that while most paint manufacturers produce lead free paint for the international market, they still produce leaded paints for the local market. He described is as a ‘grave injustice for the local consumers.’

Mr. Withanage is requesting paint manufacturers to establish a mechanism to provide free advice to local consumers on the safe removal of old lead paint and application of new lead free paint. He is also urging the Consumer Affairs Authority and other agencies to accelerate their actions to protect consumers from lead paint.

Some weeks back, the CEJ research study was used by one paint company, AkzoNobel to claim through advertisements that it was the only Sri Lankan company with lead free paint triggered protests from other manufacturers through an association that represents the industry.

CEJ said the research was funded by International Pops Elimination Network and it was conducted by Toxics link India as of a decision taken by the WHO to eliminate lead in paint. The research was conducted in 10 countries -- Sri Lanka (South Asia), Philippines and Thailand (South East Asia), Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Senegal (Africa),Belarus (Eastern Europe) and Mexico and Brazil (Latin America)

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/04/08/news32.asp

High lead content in paints

Wasantha RAMANAYAKE

Very high levels of lead have been found in enamel paint samples taken from the local market, Center for Environment Justice Executive Director Hemantha Withanage said.

"We found high concentrations of lead in ten samples out of fourteen samples belonging to three manufacturers." He pointed out that some samples contained very high amounts of lead as high as 42g per kilogram, which is well above the permissible level of 0.6g set by the Sri Lanka Standards (SLS).

"The approved level in Europe and America is 0.09g per kilogram," he said.

"This finding shows that our children are exposed to grave dangers posed by lead,"he warned.

He said the lead,which is a heavy metal when deposited in human bodies could cause multitude of complications including brain damages, headaches, weight losses, hearing deficiencies.

If the limit exceeds the threshold limits damages caused would be irreversible. "The more the lead deposited in the body the more severe the damage could be," he said. He said that permanent damages could be sustained in the nervous system.

"The irony is the executive director says, most of the manufacturers produce lead-free brands for the international market while producing leaded paints for the local market."

He urged that all leaded paint be withdrawn from the market.

He also said the finding indicated high levels of lead in green, yellow and orange colours and requested consumers to refrain from buying these colours as far as possible.

He said there are several ways that paint particles could get into the body and one way is while removing old paints.

He also requested paint manufacturers to establish a mechanism to give free advice to consumers on safe removal of old paints.

http://www.island.lk/2010/03/19/features3.html

The Island Online

Lead content in paints: new standards likely

Reference our news item on lead in decorative paints, Sri Lanka Standards Institution chairman Dr A R L Wijesekera has sent the following response.

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) is aware of the current position regarding the concerns of the general public in respect of the lead content of paints available in Sri Lanka. SLSI has, accordingly taken the following course of action:-

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution’s Working Group on "Paints" is currently engaged in the revision of the Standards for both Enamel paints and Emulsion paints. The following are the Sri Lanka Standards currently available for Emulsion Paints and Enamel Paints.
(i) Emulsion paints for exterior use - SLS 557:2009
(ii) Emulsion paints for interior use - SLS 553:2009
(iii) Enamel paints - SLS 539:11981 (currently under revision)

It may be noted that the Emulsion paints Standards (i) and (ii) above have no specifications in respect of heavy metal content. The working group is, therefore engaged in discussions in this regard, with a view to including a suitable specification, at least in respect of their lead contents.

The absence of such specifications is due to the fact that during the drafting stage of these Standards, a large number of samples of Emulsion Paints of popular brands available in the local market were tested in our laboratories with special reference to their mercury and lead contents.

It was revealed that mercury was present if at all, only in very small amounts (ie an average level of 1.1 mg/kg) and lead was present in low quantities (i.e. an average of 3.0 mg/kg and a maximum of only 5 mg/kg). On this evidence, the Sectorial Committee on "Paints" decided that the inclusion of specifications for heavy metals would not be required.

However, the specifications given in the Standards for Enamel paints, (exclusion usage for application on automobiles, toys and children’s accessories) included specifications for heavy metals such as Lead, Cobalt Mercury Chromium etc. Additionally, specifications given in foreign Standards for paints such as the British, South African, and Malaysian Standards, were scrutinized for permissible limits for heavy metals, in addition to the results of the local samples tested by the SLSI before setting limits for the Sri Lanka Standards. Thus, the Sri Lanka Standard which was issued as SLS 539:1981 was amended in year 2003 to those specified in South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Singapore Standards and results of the samples tested by SLSI.

Table 1

This table, you would note, has included the maximum permissible lead content as 600 mg/kg.

Current position in respect of Enamel Paints

Only the Indian Standard IS 133:2004 Enamel paints and the relevant Singapore Standard SS 77:1998 were available for scrutiny. The former gives a permissible maximum limits of 5% for lead for defense purposes, while the latter gives a permissible maximum limit of 0.01 m/m. Action will taken soon, on the recommendation of the Sectoral Committee, in respect of the permissible maximum limits for the lead contents of Enmel paints. The draft Sri Lanka Standard for Enamel paints (draft SLS 539:2010) does not cover automobile paints and paints applied on toys and children’s accessories.

In addition to the standards already mentioned for Emulsion paints and Enamel paints, SLSI Working Group is currently engaged in the process of drafting a National Standard for paints "for toys and accessories for children". This would include all categories of paints used for toys and children’s accessories.

The limits for heavy metal contents in this Standard are based on the limits given in the BS Standard for safety of toys. i.e. BS EN 71-3:1995

Table 2

You would indeed, note that the permitted, maximum lead content is 90 mg/kg.

Once the above Standard are approved by the SLSI, necessary action will be taken in consultation with all stake-holders to make the above Standard mandatory or to make the SLS Certification Mark mandatory, in collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Authority. Further, the SLSI will also take necessary action ensure that "paints" will be included as a product in the compulsory Import Inspection Scheme controlled by the Import Export Control Department and operated by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, which would mean that both imported as well as locally manufactured paints of all types, will necessary have to conform to the respective Sri Lankan National Standards.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/03/24/bus22.asp

Daily News 24 March 2010

Sri Lanka Standards on lead content of paints

Dr. A. R. L. Wijesekera- Chairman, Sri Lanka Standards Institution

Heavy metal content in paints is causing concern

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution's Working Group on 'Paints' is currently engaged in the revision of the Standards for both Enamel paints and Emulsion paints. The following are the Sri Lanka Standards currently available for Emulsion Paints and Enamel Paints.
(i) Emulsion paints for exterior use - SLS 557: 2009
(ii) Emulsion paints for interior use - SLS 553: 2009
(iii) Enamel paints - SLS 539: 1981 (currently under revision). It may be noted that the emulsion paints standards (i) and (ii) above have no specifications in respect of heavy metal contents. The Working Group is, therefore engaged in discussions in this regard, with a view to including a suitable specification, at least in respect of their lead contents.

The absence of such specifications is due to the fact that during the drafting stage of these Standards, a large number of samples of emulsion paints of popular brands available in the local market were tested in our laboratories with special reference to their mercury and lead contents. It was revealed that mercury was present, if it all, only in very small amounts (i.e. an average level of 1.1 mg/kg) and lead was also present in low quantities (i.e. an average of 3.0 mg/kg and a maximum of only five mg/kg). On this evidence, the Sectoral Committee on "Paints" decided that the inclusion of specifications for heavy metals would not be required.

However, the specifications given in the standard for enamel paints, (excluding usage for application on automobiles, toys and children's accessories) included specifications for heavy metals such as Lead, Cobalt Mercury Chromium etc. Additionally, specifications given in foreign Standards for paints such as the British, South African, and Malaysian Standards, were scrutinized for permissible limits for heavy metals, in addition to the results of the local samples tested by the SLSI before setting limits for the Sri Lanka Standard. Thus, the Sri Lanka Standard which was issued as SLS 539:1981 was amended in year 2003 to specify limits for heavy metals as in Table 1 based on the heavy metal contents specified in South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Singapore Standards and results of the samples tested by SLSI.

********

This table, you would note, has included the maximum permissible lead content as 600 mg/kg.

Current position in respect of enamel paints

It has now been decided to revise the current Standard to reconsider specifications for the permissible maximum heavy metal contents based on safety aspects of the environment and the health of end users. The available foreign Standards on 'Paints' were scrutinized for limits of heavy metals. Only the Indian Standard IS 133:2004 for Enamel paints and the relevant Singapore Standard SS 77:1998 were available for scrutiny. The former gives a permissible maximum limit of 5 percent for lead for defence purposes, while the latter gives a permissible maximum limit of 0.01 percent m/m. Action will be taken soon, on the recommendation of the Sectoral Committee, in respect of the permissible maximum limits for the lead contents of Enamel paints. The draft Sri Lanka Standard for Enamel paints (draft SLS 539:2010) does not cover automobile paints and paints applied on toys and children's accessories.

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You would indeed, note that the permitted, maximum lead content is 90 mg/kg

Once the above standards are approved by the SLSI, necessary action will be taken in consultation with all stake-holders to make the above Standard mandatory or to make the SLS Certification Mark mandatory, in collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Authority.

Further, the SLSI will also take necessary action to ensure that 'paints' will be included as a product in the compulsory Import Inspection Scheme controlled by the Import Export Control Department and operated by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, which would mean that both imported as well as locally manufactured paints of all types, will necessarily have to conform to the respective Sri Lankan National Standards.

http://sundaytimes.lk/100314/BusinessTimes/bt04.html

Sunday Times

Business Times

Paint giant Dulux sued by competitor

Paint AkzoNobel Paints Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has been taken to court over its position that its ‘Dulux’ brand is the only brand which conforms to international safety standards for lead and basing its claim on the global study ‘Lead in new decorative paints’ issued by IPEN and Toxics Link, two NGOs.

The plaintiff, Macksons Paints Lanka (Pvt) Ltd filed the case in the commercial high court of the Western Province on March 8 alleging that AkzoNobel has carried out its campaign through various forms of media and advertising campaigns and is asking for a judgment and decree of Rs.10 million as damages with legal interest.

AkzoNobel’s campaign comes at a time which is peak season for the paint industry, immediately prior to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which falls in April. According to court documents, Macksons was granted an enjoining order and interim injunction till March 23, preventing and/or restraining the defendant and its agents from marketing the ‘Dulux’ brand as the only safe brand.

AkzoNobel Managing Director Gerald De Saram was overseas and couldn’t be reached for comment.

According to the petition, the attorney for the plaintiff stated that the report ‘Lead in new decorative paints’ issued by the NGO said that there are nine major companies producing paints in Sri Lanka including Macksons. The report stated that the NGO has tested ex-facie in terms of the report, paints from four brands but not of the plaintiff’s. The report has named the products of the companies and the companies of which the paints have been tested and concluded that the defendant company’s paints were the safest.

The petition said although the plaintiff has been named as a major producer of paints, its products have not been tested. ‘Acting on this self serving report, the defendant company has launched a campaign which will be seen by advertisements to state that of all the paints tested in Sri Lanka, only the product of the plaintiff conforms to international safety standards,’ the proceedings state.

It added that the defendant’s campaign has been designed with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mind which is a peak time in April. The attorney stated that the defendant’s advertisements amount to unfair competition which is misleading the public. He further stated that Macksons paints have also been tested and reports clearly show that they conform to international standards.

According to court documents, lead has traditionally been used as a raw material in the manufacture of paints and is mainly used as a drying agent and found in chrome pigments. The use of lead is mainly found in enamel paints whereas water based paints such as emulsion paints generally do not contain lead unless some chrome pigments or specialty additives are included in certain colors. Research carried out in the industry has revealed that lead may be harmful to the human body, especially to children.

http://www.spot.lk/article15689-lead-in-paints-poses-health-risk.html

Tops.ik

Lead in paints poses health risk

Lead, a potent chemical hazard, is being used in the manufacture of paints in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.

The Chief Executive Officer of Akzo Nobel Paints Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Gerald de Saram told a media briefing last week that some of the chemicals used in the paint industry are extremely dangerous.

He said a partnership should be set up among NGOs, businesses and the regulatory authority to monitor the standards in this industry.

A report published by the International Pops Elimination Network. (IPEN) has said the level of lead in paints produced by Akzo Nobel was even less than the standard set by the network.

It breaks down tissue cells and causes reproductive problems. You come into contact with lead through paints and automobile fuel emissions. So, these things have to be monitored,” he said.

Meanwhile, a global study conducted for IPEN by Dr. Abhay Kumar of India has found that paints that contain toxic lead have had an impact on 40 million children mostly in developing countries.

He said Western companies were more sensitive to quality standards than Asian companies.

Courtesy: SundayObserver
Posted on Sunday, February 28, 2010 @ 12:29:09 LKT by SaNDun

Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead in Paints launched
June 21, 2010
By Hemantha Withanage and Chamali Liyanage
Centre for Environmental Justice

Lead in paint is a major health problem to both children and the adult population. While eliminating lead in new paint is on the way, lead in legacy paint or old paint coatings in buildings remain a major problem. The World Health Organization(WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) led "Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead in Paints" was launched in Geneva, in May 2010, considering the gravity of lead in paint problem in the world.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), committed itself to taking action to protect human health from exposure to lead. Paragraph 56 was on lead in gasoline and was implemented and unleaded gasoline was introduced by 2005. However, lead in paint remains a major issue. Paragraph 57 of the Plan of Implementation of the WSSD states:

"Phase out lead in lead-based paints and in other sources of human exposure, work to prevent, in particular, children’s exposure to lead and strengthen monitoring and surveillance efforts and the treatment of lead poisoning."

The International Conference on Chemicals Management at its second session held in Geneva, in May 2009, endorsed the establishment of a global partnership to promote the phase-out of the use of lead in paint as an important contribution to the implementation of paragraph 57 of the Plan of Implementation of the WSSD and to the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.

According to the WHO and UNEP figures, at least 143,000 people die every year due to lead contamination and 600,000 people suffer due to same. Since most countries now have introduced unleaded gasoline, the other major source for lead contamination is lead in paint.

Lead paint standards
The paint manufacturers are fast moving towards unleaded paint. Now the standard used in the United States is 90 ppm for enamel paint. China also uses 90 ppm as their standards. Background levels in non-lead paints are between 40 ppm to 5 ppm. There are non-lead ingredients now available. The World Health Organization and UNEP have already proposed to limit lead level to 90ppm.

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka is still far behind these standards. As part of the global call against lead in paint, International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) and Toxics Link, India, together with ten national organizations carried out a research on Lead in paint in 2009. Centre for Environmental Justice/Friends of the Earth Sri Lanka, a member of the IPEN are the Sri Lankan collaborators to this research. It was found that out of 33 Sri Lankan paint samples tested from four different brands, 19 have very high lead levels. Later, we tested six samples from the same brands in the ITI, Sri Lanka which showed high lead levels.

As a response to the call by the Paint Manufacturers’ Association that our tests were incomplete, we tested another 14 samples and found high lead levels in another 10 samples. We have found lead exceeding the acceptable levels such as eg: 137325ppm, 133463ppm, 55237ppm etc. However, we understand that there are a number of unregulated small–time manufacturers who also engage in the business.

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka does not have MANDATORY STANDARDS to date. This will remain a problem since the Consumer Affairs Authority is silent on this issue. However, as a response to the finding of the CEJ, the draft specifications (first Revision - SLS 539:2010 dated 2010-04-30) on enamel paint, were made available for public comments last month. Draft standards for toys and accessories are now available for public comments until 25 June 2010. Both these standards will be voluntary standards. While the voluntary standards have a moderate value, it does not achieve the purpose of regulating the lead in paint.

Yet, the draft standards are far behind international standards. The draft only proposed 600ppm standard for lead which is totally inadequate. This is the old standard for many countries. Therefore, we strongly suggest that this specification should bring the lead level down to 90 ppm at least as the technology and alternative materials are readily available. According to experts, this is achievable.

According to the draft specifications, only Lead and Chromium levels are mandatory and five other metals such as Antimony, Barium, Cadmium, Cobalt and Mercury are optional. Cadmium is a very toxic substance and sometimes used in the manufacture of pigments. Previous amendment No 4 to SLS 539:1981 approved on 2003-02-19 Specification for Enamel paint specifies limits for Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, Selenium and Thallium. It is hard to understand the reasons for putting some of them as optional and the complete removal of Arsenic, Selenium and Thallium from this new amendment. We believe that specifications for heavy metals should be made mandatory.

The indicated levels of chromium, antimony, barium, cadmium, cobalt and mercury appear to be way too high. As per our information, in the past, mercury was used in many water-based latex paints as a fungicide to prevent the growth of bacteria in the paint produced in the United States. However, Mercury use in interior and exterior latex paints was banned in the United States in 1991. Therefore, we propose the elimination of Mercury in both interior and exterior paints under this specification.

According to the Occupational Health Department, many paint workers are vulnerable to high lead contamination. They are subject to lead contamination during wall preparations and painting. According to the new draft, the level of lead should be indicated on the label of the container. But it may contain other heavy metals, which are not mandatory, in high levels. This "marking"/labeling requirement is inadequate. There are precedents in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, that they show all the levels in the label. Therefore, we request that a requirement be included to display the levels of all heavy metals in the label with a statement "Complies with the maximum concentration of Lead, Chromium, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Selenium, Thallium and Mercury as defined in XXX standard". This will give a warning to consumers when choosing the products and also it will promote manufacturers to avoid such toxic levels.

Paints and especially paint dust are harmful to people. Some developed countries carry instructions on how to prepare the walls and remove legacy paint. We believe that the paint container should display a warning on disturbing old lead paints for surface preparation that they may contaminate soil and interior dust which can result in significant exposures to workers, children, pregnant women and building occupants. Exposure to lead dust can cause serious illnesses, such as brain damage, especially in children. Pregnant women should avoid exposure completely. There should be a warning to wear an approved respirator to control lead exposure and use of a vacuum and a wet mop in removing and cleaning the surface.

Most countries produce paint with no added lead. We also propose that although this specification suggests a higher limit to total lead, there should also be another specification which says "no added lead." Since the countries are already going for 90ppm lead limit and "no added lead" requirements, the Sri Lankan paint manufacturers will be at risk if they produce paint with 600ppm lead to the international market. Therefore, this specification needs to protect them from such risks.

Lead in paint is not only a health and environmental issue but also a social and environmental justice issue too. It is known that some paint manufacturers produce low lead paint for the international markets, while producing high level lead paint for the local market. All people should join the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead in Paints for the sake of children and one’s own health.