EU-funded study shows high lead levels in enamel paints of Bangladesh Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers committed to phase-out lead paint production

Dhaka, Bangladesh; Household enamel paints in Bangladesh contain high levels of lead, according to a new study released on October 26, 2013. The study also found that while some brands of paints have lowered lead concentrations since the last paint analysis was conducted by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) in 2010. In the report launching ceremony Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers Association has express their commitment to phase-out lead paint production. They demanded ban on import and sell of lead pigment. The study unfold that the average concentration of lead in the analyzed paints was 11,900 parts per million (ppm). Lead concentrations above 10,000 ppm were found is 28% of the paint samples analyzed. The highest concentration detected was 1,23,000 ppm which is almost 1,300 times more than the recommended 90 ppm US EPA limit. Total 29 % of paint samples are below 90 ppm lead concentration. ESDO formally released this report title “Lead in Enamel Household Paints of Bangladesh” in a launching ceremony at WVA auditorium, Dhaka. Former Secretary and ESDO Chairperson Syed Marghub Murshed presided the ceremony. Dr. Nurul Quadir, Joint Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forest-MoEF formally released the report as Chief Guest. Report was presented by Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General of ESDO. On the discussion session Additional Chief Engineer DPHE Dewan Naquib Ahsan, Rupali Chowdhury, President of Bangladesh Paint Manufacturer Association (BPMA), Upcoming President, Mr. B.B. Saha Roy & General Secretary Engineer Abdur Rahman, has taken part. Report describes, painted surfaces deteriorate with time and when disturbed; lead from the paint then contaminates household dust and soils surrounding the home. Children ingest lead from dusts and soils during normal hand to mouth behavior. Damage to children’s intelligence and mental development occurs, even when there are no obvious or clinical signs of lead poisoning. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of US, “No safe blood lead level (BLL) in children has been identified”. A recent study investigating the economic impact of childhood lead exposure on national economies estimated a total cumulative lose of $977 billion US dollars per year for all low and middle income countries, and $700 billion loss in Asia. Session chair Syed Marghub Murshed said “Many paint manufacturers in Bangladesh support our initiative towards lead free paint, but without legislation action is limited and children remain at risk from lead exposure”. Chief guest Dr. Nurul Quadir congratulating ESDO’s initiatives and express government concern on environmental and health safety, he inform that government has taken this issue seriously and moving forward for a regulation. Rupali Chowdhury, President of BPMA expressed their support to ESDO’s initiatives for Lead free Paint in Bangladesh. She also demanded to ban import and sell of lead pigment to strengthen the initiatives. “Lead in paint exposes our children to toxic materials in the home, school and play areas and causes irreversible mental impairment in children’s developing brains,” said Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO. The study was conducted in coordination with the IPEN Lead Paint Elimination Project, which is being implemented in seven countries (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand) with European Union (EU) funding of EUR 1.4 million (14.5 crore taka) over a period of three years. Environment and Social Development Organization is implementing the project in Bangladesh. This project benefits from the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme and its a key instrument in the EU co-operation with Asia, having the specific objective of promoting sustainable production (i.e. development of less polluting and more resource efficient products, processes and services) and sustainable consumption patterns and behavior in Asia. Among all seven member countries, Bangladesh is one of the most positive countries for making its paint industry totally lead free to make a better future in association of BPMA and its member companies. End ESDO (Environment and Social Development Organization) is an independent and non-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of bio-diversity, through working to achieve environmental and social justice. IPEN Lead Paint Elimination Project is working in seven Asian countries to eliminate lead in paint and raise widespread awareness among business entrepreneurs and consumers about the adverse human health impacts of lead-based decorative paints, particularly on the health of children under six years old. The seven Asian countries are Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The project includes periodical analyses of lead concentrations in paints; information and support to small- and medium-sized paint manufacturers, dealers, retailers to help them to shift from lead-based to lead-free paints; third party certification and labeling that includes information on lead; help to government institutions to enact the standard for lead in paints; preparation and dissemination of awareness materials and mass awareness raising programs about lead paint and their impact especially on children health and environment etc. IPEN is a leading global organization working to establish and implement safe chemicals policies and practices that protect human health and the environment around the world. Farther Contact: Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, 0171-1545066 or email: shahriar25@gmail.com Siddika Sultana, Executive Director/Project National Communication Officer, 0171-4073861 or email: siddika@esdo.org