Lead Poisoning From Paint - still a potential problem

Abstract

Regulations were introduced in the UK in the 1970s to limit the lead content of paints. This has greatly reduced the number of children poisoned by ingesting leaded paint. However, it is argued that old paintwork is still a lead poisoning hazard in some older UK properties. Paint collected from a children's nursery classroom in a London school included samples with lead concentrations exceeding suggested safety levels. Lead poisoning from paint is a problem which should not be forgotten in the UK, and may be a more serious problem in countries with less stringent lead in paint regulations.

Metals in boat paint fragments from slipways, repair facilities and abandoned vessels: An evaluation using field portable XRF

“…FP-XRF has particular potential in rapidly identifying metals in boat paints that have been restricted or banned and/or that are classified as priority hazardous substances under the Water Framework Directive [24]. Thus, the technique is able to detect Pb at concentrations well below a 0.5% level recommended for human safety [25] and even towards a newer standard for lead in paints for consumer products of 90 g g -1 [26]; concentrations of Sn in hull paints as low as a few hundred g g -1 are detectable provided that the analysis delivers a peak at the higher energy level (25 keV; Sn-K) (or lower concentrations if significant quantities of Ca are not present). Following an initial evaluation using FP-XRF, further analyses involving sample preparatory work may be necessary for a full risk assessment.…”

Blood lead in U.K. children–time for a lower action level?

“…On the other hand, since many sources of environmental lead have declined, for example, additives in petrol or solder in tin cans, a constant action level may become insensitive to variations in those sources that remain. These sources include old paint of high lead concentration, house dust or contaminated soil that may be ingested by young children, especially those with pica [22]. The water supply in certain areas may be above the recommended maximum lead concentration [17,23], while in communities adjacent to congested traffic conditions, the atmosphere may contain raised lead levels [24].…”

Blood lead in U.K. children‒time for a lower action level?

“…The current U.K. advisory action limit is 1.19 µmol\l (25 µg\dl) [17], having been reduced from 1.67 µmol\l (35 µg\dl) in 1982 [18]. These sources include old paint of high lead concentration, house dust or contaminated soil that may be ingested by young children, especially those with pica [22]. One concern in reducing the action level is the possible increase in the resources needed to implement such a change, perhaps diverting resources from other areas.…”