the need for regulating lead paint second edition
TRANSCRIPT
The Need for
Regulating Lead Paint
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate
lead paint
Second Edition
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Outline
• Background
• What is paint?
• Why lead paint is a problem?
• Justification for setting a 90 ppm limit
• Summary
• References
• Point of contact
2
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Background
• Lead is a versatile and widely used toxic substance.
• Compounds of lead are added to paint to obtain specific characteristics,
e.g. colour, rapid drying, corrosion resistance.
• Paint with lead is used for decoration of interior and exterior surfaces
in homes and public buildings, on roads and bridges, and also on toys, furniture and
playground equipment.
• This presentation will explain why lead paint is of concern,
and why it needs to be regulated.
3
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
What is paint and how can be described?
• By its solvent base:
➢ water-based paint - commonly called latex or acrylic paint
➢ organic solvent-based paint - commonly called alkyd paint
• By its intended use, e.g.:
➢ decorative paint - commonly used for aesthetic or architectural purposes
➢ industrial paint - commonly used for corrosion protection or for reflecting road safety marks and traffic signages, etc.
• By its final appearance, e.g.:
➢ enamel paint - hard, glossy and opaque finish
4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
See Module E for more information on alternatives to lead in paint
Lead Compounds Have a Range of Functions in Paint
Lead can be added to paint in the form of pigments, driers and anti-corrosive agents, resulting in extremely high lead content.
Pigments - The most commonly used lead pigments are lead chromates and lead molybdates which are bright yellow, orange or red in colour.
➢ Lead carbonates and lead sulfates can be used as white pigments, but are rarely used since lead-free alternatives perform better.
➢ These pigments can also be used in a mixture with other pigments to produce bright colours such as green and purple.
Alternative, non-lead compounds exist for all the functions of lead in paint and result in paint of equivalent quality.
5
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Contribution of Components to the Lead Content of Paint
6
• Concentration is expressed in terms of the proportion of lead to the weight of the total non‐volatile part of the product, or of the weight of the dried paint film.
• A range of units may be used e.g. ppm, %, µg/g, mg/kg
➢ 10 ppm = 0.001% = 10 µg/g = 10 mg/kg
• Lead-based pigments may contribute around 1500 to >100 000 ppm, depending on whether they are mixed with other pigments or used alone.
➢ Red and yellow paints may have particularly high lead content.
• Lead-based driers may contribute around 1200 to 6000 ppm or more, depending on whether they are mixed with other driers.
• Where there is unintended contamination, this typically contributes ≤90 ppm.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Why is Lead Paint a Problem?
7
Persistence in the environment
• Lead paint is a source of lead exposure during its manufacture, application and removal.
• Lead paint breaks down over time, fragmenting into flakes and dust that can contaminate the domestic environment.
• Lead is persistent in the environment, and when released can remain there indefinitely.
• Lead paint can leave a legacy of potential human exposure for many years into the future – children are particularly vulnerable.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Why is Lead Paint a Problem? (continued)
8
Types of exposure
• Lead paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking or cracked is a health hazard, however, intact lead paint in good condition is usually not a hazard.
• Lead dust is created when lead paint is scraped, dry sanded, heated or burned, or when painted surfaces rub together. Lead chips and dust can settle on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it. Dust from lead paint can contaminate soil.
• Lead in soil can be a source of exposure when children play on the ground, or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. Plants can absorb lead from the soil and lead can enter the food chain. Lead present in soil may also migrate into underground water in certain circumstances.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Why is Lead Paint a Problem? (continued)
Health impacts
• Lead is a multi-system toxicant affecting many systems of the body.
• Children can be highly exposed because they spend time on the ground and in contact with contaminated soil and dust, they frequently put their hands to their mouths and absorbs more lead from the gut than adults.
• Childhood lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system resulting in decreased IQ, behavioural problems and reduced educational level – these may be irreversible.
• Lead also causes a significant burden of disease through other long-term impacts on health, such as: reduced IQ, antisocial behaviour, cardiovascular & renal disease.
See Modules B i. and B ii. for more information on the health and environmental impacts of lead
9
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Why a 90 ppm Limit on Lead Content?
• Lead is harmful at all levels of exposure, so there is no safe level of lead
exposure.
• There is no therapy that can reverse the effects of lead on brain development
and the cardiovascular system.
• It is essential to limit exposure to lead as much as possible.
• A limit of 90 ppm is the lowest maximum level currently required by any
country.
10
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
A 90 ppm Limit on Lead Content is Technically Feasible
• Non-lead-based pigments, dryers and anti-corrosives are widely available for oil-based paints, and are used by many manufacturers to produce high quality paints
• Paint made with compounds that are not lead-based will have a lead content <90 ppm
• If care is taken to source uncontaminated raw material ingredients the lead content can be much lower than 90 ppm
11
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
A 90 ppm Limit on Lead Content Promotes Trade
• 90 ppm is becoming an accepted international standard around the world for lead levels in paints
• As awareness about danger of lead paint grows there will be an increasing demand for safer paint
• Already used in a number of countries, e.g. Canada, Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States of America
12
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Additional Information Available on WHO WebsiteTechnical brief – detailed
information
Policy brief – summary
information
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333840 https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333812
13
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Summary
• Lead paint can contain a range of lead compounds for different purposes
• Lead paint can cause a long-lasting hazard to health in all age groups, however,
children are especially vulnerable
➢ There is no known safe level of exposure to lead
• Paints with the required properties can be made without adding lead
• As more countries regulate lead paint the market for such paints will continue to shrink
• Stopping the addition of lead to paint makes public health and business sense
14
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References
1. Global elimination of lead paint: why and how countries should
take action: technical brief (2020) World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333840
2. Global elimination of lead paint: why and how countries should
take action: policy brief (2020) World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333812
Module A i.
15
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Disclaimer
16
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition
ISBN 978-92-4-003454-9 (electronic version)
ISBN 978-92-4-003455-6 (print version)
© World Health Organization 2021
Some rights reserved. This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).
Under the terms of this licence, you may copy, redistribute and adapt the work for non-commercial purposes, provided the work is appropriately cited, as indicated below. In any use of this work, there should
be no suggestion that WHO endorses any specific organization, products or services. The use of the WHO logo is not permitted. If you adapt the work, then you must license your work under the same or equivalent
Creative Commons licence. If you create a translation of this work, you should add the following disclaimer along with the suggested citation: “This translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition”.
Any mediation relating to disputes arising under the licence shall be conducted in accordance with the mediation rules of the World Intellectual Property Organization (http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/rules/).
Suggested citation. Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) data. CIP data are available at http://apps.who.int/iris.
Sales, rights and licensing. To purchase WHO publications, see http://apps.who.int/bookorders. To submit requests for commercial use and queries on rights and licensing, see http://www.who.int/about/licensing.
Third-party materials. If you wish to reuse material from this work that is attributed to a third party, such as tables, figures or images, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that reuse and to
obtain permission from the copyright holder. The risk of claims resulting from infringement of any third-party-owned component in the work rests solely with the user.
General disclaimers. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions
excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
All reasonable precautions have been taken by WHO to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The
responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use.
Please contact the Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Chemical Safety and Health team of the World Health Organization should you have any questions.
[email protected]@who.int
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate
lead paint
Second Edition
Overview of the
Global Alliance toEliminate Lead Paint
and Global Status of Laws
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Overview of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint
• Publications available from the Lead Paint Alliance
• Status of Lead Paint Laws globally
• Point of Contact
Outline
2
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Early 1900s:
The hazard of lead paint was recognized by doctors a long time ago
1920s-30s:
Initial actions by countries to ban the use of lead carbonates and sulfates in paints through ILO Convention on White Lead. (Effective in 1923, ratified by 63 countries)
1970s-90s:
A small number of countries began to look again at problem of lead in paint, and to introduce more comprehensive laws.
2000-2021:
Lead paint laws have become more restrictive as the health hazards of lead have become better understood and more countries are beginning to introduce laws.
Brief Global History of Lead Paint Laws
3
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Global• 2009: Lead in Paint as a SAICM Emerging Policy Issue • 2011: Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint• 2017: Resolution on lead paint at the Third UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 3)• 2017: World Health Assembly Chemicals Management Roadmap• 2019-2022: SAICM GEF project: Aim for 40 or more countries to pass lead paint new
laws or improve existing laws
Regional• 2012-2015: IPEN EU SWITCH-Asia Lead Paint Elimination Project (6 new regulations)• 2014-2017: UNEP-IPEN GEF Lead Paint Elimination Project in Africa (4 new regulations)
National• An increasing number of countries are drafting and passing laws
Visit https://saicmknowledge.org/content/lead-paint-law-map for up to date information
Growing Momentum
4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Modeled on successful Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles
• The lead Paint Alliance is a voluntary partnership jointly led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), it includes all relevant sectors (international organizations, governments, NGOs, industry). • The Alliance is guided by an Advisory Council which is chaired by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (see slide no.7)
• Lead Paint Alliance set a goal: The primary goal of the Lead Paint Alliance is to prevent children’s exposure to paint containing lead and to minimize occupational exposure to lead paint. Its broad objective is to achieve the phase‐out of the manufacture and sale of paints containing lead and to eventually eliminate the risks that such paints pose.
Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead PaintLead Paint Alliance
5
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Works toward establishing lead paint laws in every country➢ As of 31 December 2020, only 41% of countries have confirmed that they have legally
binding controls on the production, import, sale and use of lead paint➢ Voluntary national standards and labelling not effective
• Promote proven successful approach in countries ➢ Government engages with relevant ministries and stakeholders➢ Drafting group develops legal limit on lead in paint considering Model Law➢ Raise awareness to promote the law
Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (cont.) Lead Paint Alliance
6
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• The Lead Paint Alliance is guided by an Advisory Council (with members from governments, industry and NGOs)
• The Advisory Council is advising the co-secretariat (UNEP and WHO) on the following points: • Encourage the work of the Lead Paint Alliance.• Review, monitor, propose, and assist in the implementation of actions and plans of the Lead Paint Alliance
to promote consistency with the overall goal and objectives of the Lead Paint Alliance.• Review progress of the Lead Paint Alliance activities.
Colombia
United States of America (Chair)
Kenya Republic of Moldova
Thailand
Go
vern
me
nts
NGOs Industry
Lead Paint Alliance Advisory Council
7
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
The goal is to establish lead paint laws in every country
Lead paint elimination is gaining momentum globally
This problem can be solved in the foreseeable future
Key steps countries can take:
✓ Identify and obtain support from main government ministries and stakeholders for the development of lead paint laws
✓ Raise awareness about the need on establishing a legally binding control on lead paint✓ Convene drafting committee to draft a law✓ Conduct public review of draft law✓ Promulgate the law
Module A ii.
Solving the Problem TogetherHow it can be done
8
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Alliance developed the Model Law and Guidance for Regulating Lead Paint
• Requested by governments
• Supported by Industry and NGOs
• Provides best available and practical approach to a lead paint law
• Includes a 90 parts-per-million (ppm) total lead limit in paint
• Adaptable to each country’s regulatory framework
Lead Paint Laws Mandatory legal mechanisms that establishes enforceable limit on lead in paint and binding control measures, with penalties for non-compliance. Examples: regulations, statutes or mandatory standards
See Module J ii. for more information on developing legal limits on lead paint
Model Law
9
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• One of the tasks of the Lead Paint Alliance is to raise awareness of the toxicity of lead to human health and the environment
• The Business Plan of the Lead Paint Alliance identifies an awareness campaign as a priority action
• The first International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week was established in 2013 – it takes place in the last full week in October
• Range of communication materials available in 6 UN languages for use in local campaigns
• The campaign-designated webpage is available in 6 UN languages. The event organizers can easily scroll down to access the repository of materials, registration form, list of registered events etc.
See Module I. for more information on conducting awareness-raising campaigns on lead and on International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of action
* Visithttps://www.who.int/campaigns/international-lead-poisoning-prevention-week for more information on awareness-raising
Organizing Awareness-Raising Events
10
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Development of tools and materials to support
countries and stakeholders to adopt lead paint laws
focusing on legal drafting, awareness-raising and
technical aspects
Successes
Challenges
Support to countries in drafting and reviewing
lead paint laws
Over 100 Partners* from governments, NGOs, industry and
academia
Organization of the International Lead
Poisoning Prevention Week, with increased
number of participants each year
Limited capacity and government
commitments in developing countries to introduce and enforce
lead limits
Limited technical capacities or resources to formulate paint with
no lead compounds
Alternatives to lead additives not always available and lack of
awareness of alternatives
Need to engage with industry to promote
compliance
* Visit https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/chemicals-waste/what-we-do/emerging-issues/global-alliance-eliminate-lead-paint-1 for up to date information
Lead Paint Alliance: Successes and Challenges
11
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Visit https://www.unep.
org/explore-topics/chemicals-waste/what-we-
do/emerging-issues/global-
alliance-eliminate-lead-paintfor more
information
Updated Lead Paint Regulatory Toolkit
Model Law Global Status Update: December 2020
International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Campaign
Materials
Steps to establish a lead paint law
Lead Paint Alliance quarterly newsletter
Lead Paint Alliance FAQ
Policy and Technical Brief: why and how countries
should take action
Brief guide to analytical methods for measuring lead in paint
Brief guide to analytical methods for measuring lead in blood
Publications from the Lead Paint Alliance
12
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
WHO is regularly updating an interactive map and database* showing status of national lead paint laws as provided by governments to UNEP and WHO.
The database shows the title, the year a country passed its lead paint law and a description of the law main provisions.
*Visit https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/indicator-groups/legally-binding-controls-on-lead-paint
Lead Paint Law StatusGlobal Health Observatory, as of 31 December 2020
13
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
100.0%2 countries
38%14 countries
78% 43 countries
28%11 countries
11%6 countries
45%5 countries
About 41% of countries (79)
have laws
* Visit for additional information https://saicmknowledge.org/content/lead-paint-law-map
Data as of 31 December 2020, as presented in the 2020 UNEP Global Status Update
Global Status Update on Lead paint LawsPercent of Countries with Lead Paint Laws in each UNEP Region
14
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
1. Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint website, hosted by UNEP - Access here
2. 2020 Update on the Global Status of Legal Limits on Lead in Paint (2020) United Nations Environment Programme - Access here
3. Global Health Observatory: regulations and controls on lead paint World Health Organization – Access here
4. International Lead Poisoning Week of action– Access here
References
15
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Disclaimer
16
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition
ISBN 978-92-4-003454-9 (electronic version)
ISBN 978-92-4-003455-6 (print version)
© World Health Organization 2021
Some rights reserved. This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).
Under the terms of this licence, you may copy, redistribute and adapt the work for non-commercial purposes, provided the work is appropriately cited, as indicated below. In any use of this work, there should
be no suggestion that WHO endorses any specific organization, products or services. The use of the WHO logo is not permitted. If you adapt the work, then you must license your work under the same or equivalent
Creative Commons licence. If you create a translation of this work, you should add the following disclaimer along with the suggested citation: “This translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition”.
Any mediation relating to disputes arising under the licence shall be conducted in accordance with the mediation rules of the World Intellectual Property Organization (http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/rules/).
Suggested citation. Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) data. CIP data are available at http://apps.who.int/iris.
Sales, rights and licensing. To purchase WHO publications, see http://apps.who.int/bookorders. To submit requests for commercial use and queries on rights and licensing, see http://www.who.int/about/licensing.
Third-party materials. If you wish to reuse material from this work that is attributed to a third party, such as tables, figures or images, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that reuse and to
obtain permission from the copyright holder. The risk of claims resulting from infringement of any third-party-owned component in the work rests solely with the user.
General disclaimers. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions
excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
All reasonable precautions have been taken by WHO to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The
responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use.
Please contact the Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Chemical Safety and Health team of the World Health Organization should you have any questions.
[email protected]@who.int
The Health Impacts of Lead Exposure
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate
lead paint
Second Edition
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Outline
2
• Background
• Pathways and routes of exposure to lead and lead paint
• Health effects of exposure
• Who is at risk?
• Societal, economic and health impacts of control measures
• Benefits of action
• Summary
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Background
3
• Lead is a versatile and widely used naturally occurring element
• Human activities result in environmental contamination:
➢ Mining and smelting, manufacturing, use, recycling and disposal of products made with lead
• Lead compounds can be used in the manufacture of paint to give properties e.g. colour,
rapid drying, corrosion resistance; continue to be used in some countries (see Module E.i)
• Lead is a human health hazard
• Lead paint is a significant source of human exposure
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Sources and Routes of Exposure to Lead from Paint
4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Two Main Routes of Exposure to Lead Paint
5
• Individuals can become exposed to lead from paint through
environmental and occupational sources.
• The most important routes of exposure are:
➢ Ingestion of dust and paint chips –
the main route of children’s exposure
➢ Inhalation of fine particles and fumes –
the main route of occupational exposure.
Photo credit: IPEN
Photo credit: WHO/SEARO/Hayley Goldbach
Source: World Health Organization. (2020). Global elimination of lead paint: why and how countries should take
action: technical brief. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333840 – Reference 1.
Source: World Health Organization. (2020). Global elimination of lead paint: why and how countries should take
action: policy brief. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333812 – Reference 2.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
A Major Source of Exposure: Lead in Dust
6
• Isotopic studies confirm that lead in paint contributes to lead in dust
• Deteriorating lead paint is associated with higher amounts of lead in household dust and soil
Source: Dixon S, Wilson J, Galke G (2007). Friction and impact surfaces: are they lead-based paint
hazards? J Occup Environ Hyg. 4(11):855–63. doi:10.1080/15459620701655770 – Reference 6.
Source: Lucas JP, Bellanger L, Le Strat Y, Le Tertre A, Glorennec Ph, Le Bot B et al. (2014). Source
contributions of lead in residential floor dust and within-home variability of dust lead loading. Sci Total
Environ. 470(471):768– 79. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.028 – Reference 7.
Photo credit: WHO/Yoshi Shimizu
• Lead content in paint correlates with lead content in dust:
➢ 50% increase in window paint lead was associated with a 5%
increase in floor dust lead (Dixon 2007)
➢ exterior railings with a lead loading of ≥2.6 mg/cm2 associated with
approx. 50% higher lead loading in household dust (Lucas 2014)
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Lead in Dust Associated with Increased Blood Lead
7
• Pooled analysis of 12 studies showed
lead-contaminated house dust is major
source of intake for children with blood
lead concentration of 10-25 µg/dL
(Lanphear et al., 1998)
Source: Lanphear BP, Matte TD, Rogers J,
Clickner RP, Dietz B, Bornschein RL et al.
(1998). The contribution of lead-contaminated
house dust and residential soil to children’s
blood lead levels. A pooled analysis of 12
epidemiologic studies. Environ Res. 79:51–68
(https://doi.org/10.1006/enrs.1998.3859,
accessed 13 April 2020) – Reference 8.
Photo credit: WHO PhotoLibrary
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
8
• Lead is a multi-system toxicant. No known level
of exposure without harmful effects
• Mimics calcium and iron in the body so has
effects in multiple body systems
• Accumulates in bone
• Long-term effects include reduced IQ, antisocial
behaviour, cardiovascular & renal disease in adults
• Often onset of symptoms are insidious, such as
anaemia, colic, etc.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Lead Accumulates in the Body
9
• Lead binds to red blood cells and distributes to soft tissues, e.g. brain and kidneys, and bone.
• Lead absorption is increased when there is nutritional deficiency e.g. calcium or iron
deficiency.
• Lead is stored in bone for many years (half-life = 10–25 years)
➢ In adults 90% of body burden may be in bone.
• Lead in bone provides a store from which lead can move back
into blood and to target organs.
➢ Lead can remobilize from bone during pregnancy,
lactation and the menopause.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Low-Level and Chronic Exposure
10
• Low-level exposure – features of poisoning may be subtle e.g. reduced IQ, impaired
hearing, increased risk of hypertension.
• Features of overt poisoning include: anorexia, abdominal colic, constipation, fatigue,
mood changes, anaemia and developmental regression in young children.
• Lead poisoning may be misdiagnosed e.g. as appendicitis, psychiatric illness.
• Low-level and chronic exposure is often the type of exposure caused by
lead paint
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Acute and Sub-Acute Lead Poisoning
11
• High dose acute/sub-acute exposure can cause lead encephalopathy
with irritability, ataxia, coma, convulsions, death:
➢ e.g. >400 children have died in NW Nigeria from environmental exposure to lead.
• Severe lead poisoning is possible from repeated ingestion of lead paint chips (pica).
➢ Note: pica is a syndrome of an appetite for non-nutritional substances
Source: Thurtle N, Grieg J, Cooney L, Amitai Y, Ariti C, Brown MJ, Kosnett MJ, Moussally K, Sani-Gwarzo N, Akpan H, Shanks L, Dargan PI (2014). Description of 3180 courses of chelation with
dimercaptosuccinic acid in children .5 years with severe lead poisoning in Zamfara, northern Nigeria: a retrospective analysis of programme data. PLOS Medicine, 11(10):1-18. – Reference 3
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Who Is At Risk?
12
• Children are especially vulnerable due to greater exposure
risks from:
➢ Spending more time on the ground and in contact with
contaminated soil and dust,
➢ Hand-to-mouth activity, mouthing,
➢ Absorbing 4–5 times more lead from the gut than adults, and
➢ All children have nutritional deficiency (e.g. calcium, iron) which
increases bioavailability of lead.
• Exposure may already occur through
maternal cord blood (in utero)
Source: Childhood lead poisoning. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010
(https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/136571 , accessed 12 February 2021) – Reference 4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Who Is At Risk? (Continued)
13
• The foetal period and early childhood are critical
periods for neurological and organ development
• Damage to the neurological system may be irreversible
➢ Reduced potential for intellectual development
➢ Increased likelihood of behavioural disorders
• Children can even express long-term
effects in adulthood
Source: Health effects of low-level lead. National Toxicology Program Monograph. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of
Health; 2012 (http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/hat/noms/lead/index.html, accessed 12 February 2021) – Reference 5
Photo credit: Calonzo/EcoWaste Coalition
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Pregnant Women Are Also Vulnerable
14
• Pregnancy mobilizes lead stored in bone, releasing it back into blood where it
can be circulated to maternal tissues and the fetus
• Lead exposure may cause reduced fetal growth
• Lead exposure in pregnancy increases risk of complications e.g. hypertension,
premature birth
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Workers Also Need Protecting
15
• Study in Kenya found significant lead exposure in
workers making paint
➢ 78% of air samples exceeded US 8-hour permissible exposure
limit (50 µg/m3)
➢ 75.6% of blood samples >30 µg/dL lead
• Workers spraying and stripping lead paint, as well as
home renovators can have high exposures
Source: Were FH, Moturi MC, Gottesfeld P,Wafula GA, Kamau GN, Shiundu PM. (2014) Lead
exposure and blood pressure among workers in diverse industrial plants in Kenya. J Occup
Environ Hyg. 2014; 11(11):706–15 doi:10.1080/15459624.2014.908258 – Reference 9.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Lead Exposure Causes Significant Burden of Disease
16
Estimates from Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), 2019 data:
• 0.90 million deaths from long-term effects
• 21.7 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) lost
• Estimated to account for:
➢ 62.49% of the global burden of idiopathic developmental intellectual disability
➢ 7.19% of the global burden of ischaemic heart disease
➢ 8.21% of hypertensive disease
➢ 5.65% of the global burden of stroke
Source: Estimates from Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation – Reference 10
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Distribution of IQ scores in sample population
Mean IQ = 95
Small Average IQ Reduction Can Have Large Societal Impacts
17
Distribution of IQ scores in sample population
Mean IQ = 100
Source: Little things matter. Canadian
Environmental Health Atlas; 2014
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6K
oMAbz1Bw, accessed 9 February
2021). Images reproduced with
permission – Reference 11.
A 5-point loss in IQ (intelligence quotient) might not affect the ability of an individual to live a productive life. But if that loss is experienced by a large proportion of a population, the implications for that society could be profound.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Small Average IQ Reduction Can Have Large Societal Impact (Notes, Slide 17)
18
• Professor Bernard Weiss, a behavioural toxicologist at the University of Rochester, New York, USA,
examined the societal impact of seemingly small losses of intelligence. Imagine an unaffected
population numbering 260 million people (such as that of the USA) with an average IQ of 100 and a
standard deviation of 15 (left-hand graph). In that population there would be 6 million people with
IQs above 130 and 6 million below 70.
• A decrease in average IQ of 5 points would shift the distribution to the left (right-hand
graph). The number of people scoring above 130 would decline by 3.6 million
while the number below 70 would increase by 3.4 million.
Source: Gilbert , Weiss B. A rationale for lowering the blood lead action level from 10 to 2 ug/dL. Neurotoxicology.
2006 September ; 27(5): 693–701 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2212280/pdf/nihms37310.pdf
By Bruce Lanphear and the Canadian Environmental Health Atlas.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Economic Costs of Lead Exposure Are High
19
• Estimated economic losses due to reduced IQ is ~1.2% of global GDP (see Module B.iii for
additional information)
• Largest economic burden is borne by low- and middle- income countries – approx.
$977 billion
• Regional economic losses:
➢ In Africa approx. $134.7 billion (4.03% of regional GDP)
➢ In Latin America and the Caribbean approx. $142.3 billion (2.04% of regional GDP)
➢ In Asia approx. $699.9 billion (1.88% of regional GDP).
Source: Attina TM, Trasande L. Economic costs of childhood lead exposure in low- and
middle-income countries. Environ Health Perspect. 2013 Sep;121(9):1097-102 – Reference 12
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Economic Benefits of Action Are Significant
20
• Banning lead paint now saves costs in future
➢ Avoids future costs of lead exposure resulting from use of lead paint now, such as cost of
reduced IQ, cost of criminality
➢ Avoids future remediation costs
o Estimated costs of remediating lead-painted homes:
France: US$ 194 – 499 million
USA: US$ 1 – 11 billion
Source: Pichery C et al. Childhood lead exposure in France: benefit estimation and partial cost-benefit analysis of lead hazard control. Environmental Health. 2011;10:44 – Reference 13
Source: Gould E. Childhood Lead Poisoning: Conservative Estimates of the Social and Economic Benefits of Lead Hazard Control. Environ Health Perspect, 2009;117: 1162-1167 – Reference 14
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
The Lower the Lead Content, the Lower the Hazard
21
By reducing lead in paint, we can protect vulnerable
populations and public health. For example:
• Children who eat flakes of lead paint can develop lead
poisoning
• The lower the lead content the less likely a child will eat
enough paint to cause harm
➢ 500 ppm of lead in paint – regular ingestion of 6-7 flakes of paint
could reduce IQ
➢ 90 ppm of lead in paint – harmful dose is ~31 flakes
• Similar reasoning applies to lead in dust originating from
paint
Photo credit: Lushomo communications
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Lead Poisoning Prevention Policies Have Proven to Reduce Population Blood Lead Levels (USA)
22
Source: Brown MJB,
Falk, H (2015) US
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention,
personal communication
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Summary
23
• Lead exposure causes toxic effects in multiple body systems; some effects are
irreversible; children, pregnant women and some occupational groups are
particularly vulnerable.
• There is no known level of lead exposure without harmful effects.
• Lead exposure has both an individual and a societal impact.
• Lead poisoning is preventable: implementation of lead control measures has
significantly reduced population-level blood lead concentrations in several countries.
• Removing lead paint as a source of exposure will have significant health and
economic benefits.
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
More Details Are Available on the WHO Website in Six UN Languages
24
Technical Brief – Detailed
information
Policy Brief – Summary Information
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240005143 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240005143
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References
25
1. World Health Organization. (2020). Global elimination of lead paint: why and how countries should take action: technical brief. World Health
Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333840.
2. World Health Organization. (2020). Global elimination of lead paint: why and how countries should take action: policy brief. World Health
Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333812.
3. Thurtle N, Grieg J, Cooney L, Amitai Y, Ariti C, Brown MJ, Kosnett MJ, Moussally K, Sani-Gwarzo N, Akpan H, Shanks L, Dargan PI
(2014). Description of 3180 courses of chelation with dimercaptosuccinic acid in children .5 years with severe lead poisoning in
Zamfara, northern Nigeria: a retrospective analysis of programme data. PLOS Medicine, 11(10):1-18
4. Childhood lead poisoning. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010 (https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/136571,
accessed 12 February 2021)
5. Health effects of low-level lead. National Toxicology Program Monograph. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes
of Health; 2012 (http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/hat/noms/lead/index.html, accessed 12 February 2021)
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References (continued)6. 6. Dixon S, Wilson J, Galke G (2007). Friction and impact surfaces: are they lead-based paint hazards? J Occup
Environ Hyg. 4(11):855–63. doi:10.1080/15459620701655770
7. 7. Lucas JP, Bellanger L, Le Strat Y, Le Tertre A, Glorennec Ph, Le Bot B et al. (2014). Source contributions of lead in residential floor dust and within-home variability of dust lead loading. Sci Total Environ. 470(471):768– 79. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.028
8. 8. Lanphear BP, Matte TD, Rogers J, Clickner RP, Dietz B, Bornschein RL et al. (1998). The contribution of lead-contaminated house dust and residential soil to children’s blood lead levels. A pooled analysis of 12 epidemiologic studies. Environ Res. 79:51–68 (https://doi.org/10.1006/enrs.1998.3859, accessed 12 February 2021)
9. 9. Were FH, Moturi MC, Gottesfeld P,Wafula GA, Kamau GN, Shiundu PM. (2014) Lead exposure and blood pressure among workers in diverse industrial plants in Kenya. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2014; 11(11):706–15 doi:10.1080/15459624.2014.908258.
10. 10. Global lead exposure. In: GBD Compare [website]. Seattle (WA): Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington; 2019 https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/, accessed 12 February 2021
26
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References (continued)11. 11. Little things matter. Canadian Environmental Health Atlas; 2014 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6KoMAbz1Bw, accessed 9
February 2021)
12. 12. Attina TM, Trasande L. Economic costs of childhood lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries. Environ Health Perspect. 2013 Sep;121(9):1097-102
13. 13. Pichery C et al. Childhood lead exposure in France: benefit estimation and partial cost-benefit analysis of lead hazard control. Environmental Health. 2011;10:44
14. 14. Gould E. Childhood Lead Poisoning: Conservative Estimates of the Social and Economic Benefits of Lead Hazard Control. Environ Health Perspect, 2009;117: 1162-1167
27
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Additional References
• Lead poisoning and health, Fact sheet. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019 (in Arabic, Chinese, English,
French, Russian and Spanish) (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health,
accessed 12 February 2021)
• Preventing disease through healthy environments. Exposure to lead: a major public health concern;
Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-CED-PHE-
EPE-19.4.7-eng, accessed 12 February 2021)
• Chemical safety: Lead and lead paint, Questions and answers. Geneva: World Health
Organization; 2020 (in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish,
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/chemical-safety-lead-and-lead-paint, accessed 12
February 2021
28
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Disclaimer
29
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition
ISBN 978-92-4-003454-9 (electronic version)
ISBN 978-92-4-003455-6 (print version)
© World Health Organization 2021
Some rights reserved. This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).
Under the terms of this licence, you may copy, redistribute and adapt the work for non-commercial purposes, provided the work is appropriately cited, as indicated below. In any use of this work, there should
be no suggestion that WHO endorses any specific organization, products or services. The use of the WHO logo is not permitted. If you adapt the work, then you must license your work under the same or equivalent
Creative Commons licence. If you create a translation of this work, you should add the following disclaimer along with the suggested citation: “This translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition”.
Any mediation relating to disputes arising under the licence shall be conducted in accordance with the mediation rules of the World Intellectual Property Organization (http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/rules/).
Suggested citation. Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) data. CIP data are available at http://apps.who.int/iris.
Sales, rights and licensing. To purchase WHO publications, see http://apps.who.int/bookorders. To submit requests for commercial use and queries on rights and licensing, see http://www.who.int/about/licensing.
Third-party materials. If you wish to reuse material from this work that is attributed to a third party, such as tables, figures or images, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that reuse and to
obtain permission from the copyright holder. The risk of claims resulting from infringement of any third-party-owned component in the work rests solely with the user.
General disclaimers. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions
excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
All reasonable precautions have been taken by WHO to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The
responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use.
Please contact the Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Chemical Safety and Health team of the World Health Organization should you have any questions.
[email protected]@who.int
Analytical Methods for Measuring Lead
in Blood
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate
lead paint
Second Edition
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Outline
• Background
• Reasons for measuring lead in blood
• Blood sampling
• Brief information on different analytical methods
• Quality control considerations
• Summary
2
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Background
• Lead exposure is primarily assessed through its
measurement in whole blood (venous blood).
• The most common laboratory methods to measure
blood lead concentrations are:
➢ Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
➢ Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
➢ Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV)
Analytical methods differ in their limit of detection, accuracy, costs
and technical requirements (e.g. sample preparation,
calibration, and skilled personnel)
3
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Reasons for Measuring the Blood Lead Concentrations
• To determine the need for the active management and medical interventions to
address lead exposure, such as identification of, and removal from, the source of
exposure, or chelation therapy;
• To determine the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures;
• As part of a health screening or surveillance programme to identify lead-
exposed children;
• For exposure and risk assessment, for example a prevalence study of
lead exposure related to lead paint or other sources;
• For occupational monitoring
4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Measurement Units
• The commonly used units for reporting blood lead concentration are
micrograms of lead per decilitre of blood (μg/dL), micrograms per litre
(μg/L) and micromoles per litre (μmol/L).
• The conversion factor between mass and molar units is the atomic mass of
lead: 207.19.
• For conversion from mass to molar units the value should be divided by the
atomic mass.
• For conversion from molar to mass units the value should be multiplied by
the atomic mass.
5
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Blood Sampling
• Essential to avoid external contamination of the sample.
➢ Personnel should be trained in good sampling and handling techniques to avoid contamination.
➢ Collect, store and transport samples in a lead-free environment.
➢ Thoroughly cleanse the skin around the puncture site.
➢ Use lead-free sampling equipment and tubes. If not available send 'blanks' from same batch
to the laboratory for testing of background lead content.
• Observe universal biosafety precautions.
6
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Blood Sampling (Continued)
• Collect whole blood in a tube containing EDTA or heparin.
➢ Invert the filled tube 8–10 times to ensure adequate mixing.
➢ Clotted samples should be rejected – analytical results will be unreliable.
• Make sure to label the tube with the patient's identification details.
• Refrigerate samples (<4ºC) that are awaiting analysis – do not freeze.
➢ Note: does not apply to samples measured using point-of-care device, which should
be kept at room temperature.
7
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Choice of Analytical Method is Determined by Resources and Needs
Resource issues include:
• Availability of trained laboratory staff;
• Cost of reagents and other materials e.g. special gases, compressed air;
• Typical number of analyses needed (cost per analysis)
➢ Economy of scale possible with methods that allow multiple analyses;
• Special operating requirements e.g. reliable electricity supply, cooling water.
8
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Choice of Analytical Method is Determined by Resources and Needs
Need for required limit of detection varies according to the reason for the analysis.
For example:
• Population studies –method accurate to <1 µg/dL may be needed, e.g. geometric
mean blood lead concentration in USA in 2011–12 was 0.973 μg/dL.
• Confirmation of lead exposure and decisions on management – method
accurate to 5 µg/dL acceptable.
• In severe cases of poisoning – method to accurately measure
>65 µg/dL may be needed
9
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Analytical Methods Used to Measure Lead in Blood
Laboratory methods:
• Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)
• Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) or graphite furnace
atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) - Point-of-care or field-testing
methods
• ASV technique
• Portable ASV device
10
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS)
• Short analysis time (seconds)
• Relatively easy to use
• Relatively few interferences
• Relatively low capital and running costs
• Large sample size usually needed
• Relatively high detection limit (5 µg/dL)
• Cannot be left unattended (flammable gas)
11
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS)
• Low detection limit (˂1µg/dL)
• Can analyse small samples (50–100 µL)
• Can be fitted with autosampler so multiple samples can be processed
• Well documented applications
• May be left unattended
• No need for sample preparation
12
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Very low limit of detection (0.02 µg/dL)
• Can analyse small samples (50–100 μL)
• Very fast analysis time (˂1min)
• Wide analytical working range
• Multi-element capabilities and can be economical if used for large
sample runs
• Potential to perform isotopic ratio analyses with some forms of
ICP-MS, which may help to identify the source of the lead
13
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Portable ASV
• Small sample size (50 μL)
• Can be used at non-laboratory sites
• Uses finger prick (capillary sample), though venous samples can also be used
• Simple to use, does not require skilled laboratory personnel
• Low purchase and running costs
• Rapid results
• Has comparable accuracy with laboratory-based methods
14
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Portable ASV - Limitations
• Limited analytical working range
• Levels above 5 µg/dL should be confirmed by a high-complexity laboratory method
• High risk of sample contamination
• Risk of low-biased results on venous blood collected with certain types
of evacuated blood tubes
15
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Quality Control Considerations
• Important that analytical results are reliable.
• Laboratory should have in place an adequate quality management system e.g.:
➢ Standard operating procedures;
➢ Documented training and monitoring of staff performance;
➢ Use of certified reference standards;
➢ Internal quality control procedures – daily checks of analytical accuracy;
➢ Participation in external quality assessment scheme e.g. US LAMP.
16
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Laboratory Quality Assurance - LAMP
• A voluntary program that focuses on assuring the quality of blood lead,
cadmium, and mercury analyses.
• Each quarter US CDC provides spiked blood samples, which are analyzed by
participating laboratories who return the results to CDC.
• CDC provides detailed reports on the laboratories about how well they performed
these analyses.
• No charge for participation.
LAMP program:
https://www.cdc.gov/labstandards/lamp.html
17
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Summary
• Measurement of the blood lead concentration is the most widely accepted method for
identifying lead exposure and having the possibility to carry out this analysis is important
for public health, occupational health and the clinical management of lead poisoning.
• A range of analytical methods are available – the decision about which one to use is
determined by the available resources and the limit of detection required.
• Point-of-care devices are available and have a role in screening for lead exposure.
While they have been used to guide clinical management in extreme
circumstances, this use should be validated by laboratory measurements.
• Quality assurance procedures are important to ensure the
reliability of analytical results.
18
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Available WHO Resources
• Brief guide to analytical methods for measuring lead in blood, second edition
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333914
19
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References
1. World Health Organization (2020). Brief guide to analytical methods for measuring lead in blood, 2nd ed.
World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333914. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
2. Measurement procedures for the determination of lead concentrations in blood and urine: approved guideline,
2nd edition. CLSI document C40-A2. Wayne, PA, United States of America: Clinical and Laboratory Standards
Institute; 2013.
3. Neri AJ et al. Analysis of a novel field dilution method for testing samples that exceed the analytic range of point-of-
care blood lead analyzers. Int J Environ Health Res. 2014; 24(5):418-428)
4. Komárek M et al. Lead isotopes in environmental sciences: A review. Environment International. 2008; 34:562–577
5. Brown MJB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, personal communication, 2015
6. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lead and Multi-Element Proficiency website
https://www.cdc.gov/labstandards/lamp.html.
20
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References – Sample Collection
1. Step-by-step guide for collecting capillary sample. US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention:
Poster: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/pdf/Poster_Capillary_Blood.pdf,
accessed 15 February 2021
Video demonstration: Mission Unleaded: How to test children for lead
with maximum accuracy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2p2qREch9g, accessed 15
February 2021
2. Guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy. Geneva:
World Health Organization; 2010
(https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44294, accessed 15 February
2021)
21
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Disclaimer
22
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition
ISBN 978-92-4-003454-9 (electronic version)
ISBN 978-92-4-003455-6 (print version)
© World Health Organization 2021
Some rights reserved. This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).
Under the terms of this licence, you may copy, redistribute and adapt the work for non-commercial purposes, provided the work is appropriately cited, as indicated below. In any use of this work, there should
be no suggestion that WHO endorses any specific organization, products or services. The use of the WHO logo is not permitted. If you adapt the work, then you must license your work under the same or equivalent
Creative Commons licence. If you create a translation of this work, you should add the following disclaimer along with the suggested citation: “This translation was not created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition shall be the binding and authentic edition”.
Any mediation relating to disputes arising under the licence shall be conducted in accordance with the mediation rules of the World Intellectual Property Organization (http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/rules/).
Suggested citation. Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) data. CIP data are available at http://apps.who.int/iris.
Sales, rights and licensing. To purchase WHO publications, see http://apps.who.int/bookorders. To submit requests for commercial use and queries on rights and licensing, see http://www.who.int/about/licensing.
Third-party materials. If you wish to reuse material from this work that is attributed to a third party, such as tables, figures or images, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that reuse and to
obtain permission from the copyright holder. The risk of claims resulting from infringement of any third-party-owned component in the work rests solely with the user.
General disclaimers. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions
excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
All reasonable precautions have been taken by WHO to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The
responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use.
Please contact the Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Chemical Safety and Health team of the World Health Organization should you have any questions.
[email protected]@who.int
Analytical Methods for Measuring Lead
in Paint
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate
lead paint
Second Edition
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Objectives of lead paint testing
• Options for measuring lead paint – new and existing paint
• New paint: options for laboratory analysis of lead content
• Existing painted surfaces: options for off-site and on-site analysis of lead content
• Issues around national laboratory capacity for measuring lead in paint
• Using lead paint analyses to investigate new paints on the market
• Summary and References
Outline
2
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• To determine if paint meets the regulatory requirement for permitted lead content
• Paint manufacturers and importers – to obtain documentation of compliance with lead
paint limit
➢ Third-party laboratory testing: use a nationally or internationally accredited laboratory that can
measure the lead content to the required limit (e.g. 90 ppm) to support a Declaration of Conformity
• Government – to test for compliance with lead paint limit
➢ Use a nationally or internationally accredited laboratory or
suitable portable analysis technology to test for compliance
with regulatory limit
Objectives of Lead Paint Testing
3
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Reasons for Analysing the Lead Content of Paint
• New paint for sale:
➢ Assess the availability of lead-containing paint in the market and the need for better
government regulation and enforcement
➢ Provide consumers with information so they can choose non-lead paint and can push for
government controls on lead paint
➢ Draw attention to companies that produce lead-containing paint and encourage them to
reformulate their products voluntarily
• Existing paint on structures:
➢ Assess potential sources of exposure to lead from existing paint on structures,
e.g. in homes, schools and playgrounds, and the possible need for mitigation
measures
4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
New paint for sale:
1. Laboratory analysis (three methods:FAAS, ETAAS, ICP-AES )
2. High-definition portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (HDXRF)
Existing painted surface:
1. Laboratory analysis (three methods)
2. Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis (on-site)
3. Chemical test kits (on-site)
Options for Measuring Lead in Paint
The choice of method depends on several
factors e.g. the level of accuracy required, the substrate to be tested (new paint or painted surface), the analytical
equipment, and the cost.
5
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Measuring total lead content is preferred over soluble lead content
• Most regulatory standards for new paint are based on the total lead content, and this is the recommended
measurement described in the Model law and guidance for regulating lead paint (1)
See also Module J.i.
Total lead
• Measured by extracting all the lead present in the paint
• Used in almost all national regulatory standards
• Promotes harmonization for exports to countries with total lead standards for products
• Provides a more predictable test for manufacturers who have test results from ingredients
• Low-cost, routine laboratory methods are available and many
laboratories can do the measurements
New Paint: Total Lead Content
6
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
New Paint: Soluble Lead Content• Soluble lead (migratable lead) – measuring total lead content is preferred over soluble lead content
• Content is assumed to simulate the uptake of lead from the gut when lead paint chips or coated
objects are swallowed (1).
BUT:
➢ No scientific basis to support this assumption
➢ Does not take account of exposure to lead in dust from deteriorating paint and does
not provide the best measure of potential health risks
• More expensive, more complicated laboratory method is needed
• Technical modifications to paint can hide dangerous lead content, e.g. paint
shown to have >17 000 ppm total lead content not detected by soluble lead
test (2)
7
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• New paint: Lead paint formulations and regulatory standards are usually
expressed as a percentage by weight (% wt) or as parts per million (ppm),
though some regulatory standards use milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)
➢ Laboratory analysis: lead content can be reported in ppm, % or mg/kg
➢ High-definition X-ray fluorescence: lead content can be reported in ppm
➢ 90 ppm = 0.009% = 90 µg/g = 90 mg/kg
Note: When analyzing lead paint to meet a 90-ppm legal limit, the method of analysis must be able
to report out in ppm
Reporting Units for Measuring Lead in New Paint
8
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Existing painted surface: Analysis of lead content may also be reported as the
amount of lead per unit area: mg/cm2. There is no mathematical equivalence
between ppm and mg/cm2
➢ Laboratory analysis: lead content can be reported in ppm, %, mg/kg or amount
per unit area (mg/cm2)
➢ Portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (on-site): lead content is reported as mg/cm2
Reporting Units for Measuring Lead in Existing Paint Surfaces
9
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
New Paint: Options for Laboratory
Analysis of Total Lead Content
10
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Most common method is to apply paint to a homogeneous
metal-free surface such as glass or wood (3)
• Paint is allowed to dry then a sample is scraped off for analysis
in a laboratory
• Lead content may also be measured directly from surface using
portable high-definition x-ray fluorescence and reported in ppm
• Measure lead in sample of wet paint using special sampling cup
and high-definition x-ray fluorescence
Sampling Methods to Test Paint
11
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Laboratory-based instrumentation (various methods)
➢ Samples are collected and sent to a laboratory, results available some time later
➢ Destructive methods, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry, require sample preparation stage
➢ Non-destructive testing by high-definition X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (HDXRF)
• Portable methods
➢ Hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF)
➢ Portable HDXRF devices can be used outside a laboratory e.g. at customs
➢ Results are available immediately
Laboratory-Based and Portable Methods Available
12
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Commonly Used Laboratory-Based Methods
• Three commonly used laboratory-based methods for measuring lead in paint are:
➢ Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)
➢ Electrothermal or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS/GFAAS)
➢ Inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES)
• Some considerations:
➢ Methods differ in complexity, limit of detection and cost
➢ International standards exist for each
13
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Relatively easy to use and moderate cost
• Can be fitted with auto-sampler so multiple samples can be processed
• Uses flammable gases so cannot be left to run unattended
• Limit of detection depends on sample preparation and method used –
100 ppm is typical
Note: Although some laboratories have developed methods that can measure concentrations as low
as 40 ppm, FAAS is not the best method for confirming compliance with a 90-ppm limit (Howard
Varner, personal communication, January 2020).
Method 1: Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS)
14
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Also known as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry
• Can analyse very small samples
• Can be fitted with auto-sampler so large number of samples can be run
• Requires more staff training than FAAS
• Higher cost than FAAS
• Very low limit of detection
Method 2: Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS)
15
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Method 3: Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
• Can analyse very small samples
• High purchase and maintenance costs but can be economical if used for large sample runs
• Requires highly-skilled laboratory technician
• Very low limit of detection
• Can determine isotope ratio,
which may help to identify
the source of the lead
16
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Trained personnel and good quality assurance procedures are essential
to ensure accuracy and reliability of results
• Laboratory should have certification to show it works to an international
standard e.g., ISO/ IEC 17025
• Laboratory should comply with national or international standards for sample
preparation and analysis for lead in paint (these standards are on the following slides)
• Laboratory should be accredited to conduct analyses by a national or international
accreditation program
Laboratory Should Demonstrate Compliance with Quality Standards
17
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• ASTM E1729-16. Standard practice for field collection of dried paint samples for
subsequent lead determination
• ISO 15528:2013. Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes –
sampling (available in English, French and Russian)
International Standards for Sample Collection
18
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
International Standards for Sample Preparation
• ISO 1513:2010, Paints and varnishes - examination and preparation of test samples
• ASTM E1645-16, Standard practice for preparation of dried paint samples by
hotplate or microwave digestion for subsequent lead analysis
• ASTM E1979-17, Standard practice for ultrasonic extraction of paint,
dust, soil, and air samples for subsequent determination of lead
19
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• ISO 6503:1984, Paints and varnishes - Determination of total lead - flame atomic absorption spectrometric
method (for measurement of lead concentration of 0.01% to 2.0%) (available in English and French)
• ASTM D3335-85a (2014), Standard test method for low concentrations of lead, cadmium, and cobalt in
paint by atomic absorption spectroscopy (for measurement of lead concentration of 0.01% to 5.0%)
• ASTM E1613-12, Standard Test Method for Determination of Lead by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), or Graphite
Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) Techniques (measurement of lead concentration differs according to
analytical technique)
• ASTM F2853-10 (2015), Standard test method for determination of lead in paint layers and similar coatings or in
substrates and homogenous materials by energy-dispersive
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using multiple monochromatic excitation beams
International Standards for Test Methods
20
Note: ASTM has withdrawn E1613 but that it can be replaced by E3193 (as WK76000 - Main Addition to E3193-20 Analysis for Lead in Dust by Wipe, Paint, and Soil by FAAS - 11 Apr 2021) and E3203 (as WK76001 - Main Addition to E3203-19a Analysis for Lead in Dried Paint, Soil, and Wipes by ICP-OES - 11 Apr 2021), which are in the process of balloted modification for inclusion of standardized methods. (CPSC, personal communication, May 2021)
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Laboratory's experience in lead paint analysis
• If possible, accreditation through a recognized proficiency testing scheme
• Analytical methods used (e.g. FAAS, GFAAS/ETAAS, ICP-AES)
➢ Limit of detection – is it adequate to confirm compliance?
• Sample requirements specified by laboratory
• Capacity to handle number of samples required
• Costs per sample, including any shipping costs
• Turn-around time
Considerations When Choosing a Laboratory
21
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Operated by American Industrial Health Association
• ELPAT program assesses proficiency of laboratory in lead analysis of environmental samples, including for paint
• Laboratories shown to be proficient conduct lead paint testing to international standards
• Mostly in the US; non-US laboratories currently in Australia (2), Canada (6), France (1), Germany (1), Japan (2), Korea (1)
• Laboratories may work with clients in any country
Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program
22
Link: ttps://www.aihapat.org/programs/environmental-
lead-proficiency-analytical-testing-elpat-program
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometry (Portable Methods)
• Hand-held and portable conventional and high-definition XRF devices can be used
in the field
• Bench-top high-definition X-ray fluorescence (HDXRF) systems are available
for use in the laboratory
• Lead measurement results are available in minutes
• XRF devices use ionizing radiation so specific health-and-safety
and training needs
23
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Relatively new technology using optics to enable measurement of
very low concentrations of lead
• Comparable results to conventional laboratory methods and suitable for
compliance testing of new paints
• Approved as alternative to laboratory methods in the USA – ASTM F2853-10
• Sample painted on metal-free homogeneous surface and placed in front of device – lead
concentration shown on screen within minutes
• Can accurately measure the lead content in liquid paint as well as in a dried paint film and
can report results in ppm
• Expensive to buy but cheaper to operate than conventional laboratory methods
High-Definition XRF (HDXRF) (Portable Methods)
24
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Existing Painted Surfaces: Options for Off-Site and
On-Site Analysis of Lead Content
25
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
1. Laboratory analysis (off-site)
2. Handheld conventional X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis
3. Handheld high-definition X-ray fluorescence (HDXRF) spectrometry
4. Chemical test kits (on-site)
Painted Surfaces: Options for Measuring Lead Content
26
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Samples should be taken by trained personnel to ensure adequate quality
• When taking a paint chip sample from a painted surface:
➢ paint must be removed from the underlying material, i.e. it is necessary to damage the painted
surface
➢ important to remove a precisely-measured area of paint
• Laboratory analysis involves multiple steps and takes additional time compared to
on-site analysis
Note: See previous slides on new paint for information on laboratory test methods,
standards, and considerations for choosing a laboratory
Option 1: Laboratory Analysis for Existing Painted Surfaces
27
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Option 2: Handheld Conventional X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometry
• Can be used at the site of the paint to be analysed
• Paint surface does not need to be damaged
• Good accuracy
• Immediate results
• Can measure many surfaces over a short period of time
• Relatively high purchase cost, but cheaper to use than laboratory methods
when many surfaces need to be tested
• Requires training to ensure accurate results and observance of health
and safety requirements: operator may need to be licensed and/or
certified to use and transport the device.28
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Same as for conventional XRF, in addition:
• Can report results as ppm
• Low detection limit (below 90 ppm)
Option 3: Handheld High-Definition X-Ray Fluorescence (HDXRF) Spectrometry
29
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Qualitative test for lead paint on walls or other surfaces
• Immediate results
• Low purchase and running costs and relatively simple to use
• Many limitations:
➢ Cannot provide an accurate measurement
➢ False positive and false negative results possible
➢ Can test mainly top (surface) layers and may need to damage the paint
surface to access lead paint
➢ Special procedure may be needed for certain surfaces, e.g. plaster
Option 4: Chemical Test Kits
30
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Issues Around National Laboratory Capacity for Measuring Lead in Paint
31
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
UNEP Model Law and Guidance for Regulating Lead Paint suggests:
“Current lack of in-country laboratory capacity need not be an
impediment to a lead paint law going into effect, as industry can still
comply with the law by sending paint samples to laboratories in other
countries that are qualified to perform the required testing. Additionally,
for imported paints, manufacturers and importers can rely on test results
from qualified laboratories in the country of origin under the model law
under certain circumstances.”
Is In-Country Laboratory Capacity Essential for Compliance?
32
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Regulations specifying a low limit on lead content of paint create a demand for
laboratories to carry out compliance testing
• A laboratory can provide a service to manufacturers and regulatory authorities in multiple
countries
• Establishing a laboratory service requires significant resources, therefore business case
must be made
• May be possible to expand an existing laboratory service
Increasing Demand for Laboratory Testing Creates a Market
33
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Considerations for Building Laboratory Capacity
• Can lead paint analysis be added to an existing service:
➢ Is the necessary equipment already available (e.g. ETAAS)?
➢ What additional equipment (e.g. lamps), reagents and training are needed?
➢ Is there a sufficient demand for the service to be sustainable (e.g. offering third-party testing to manufacturers, compliance testing for regulators)
• Is the service already available in a laboratory at home or abroad at a good price
• Large paint manufacturers have laboratory capacity and trained personnel that can be utilized to supplement testing by accredited labs
34
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Using Lead Paint Analyses to Investigate the Paint Market
35
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Provides information about the extent of the problem and the need for regulatory or
enforcement measures.
• Important to ensure that tested products are
representative of all brands and include a range
of colours:
➢ Brightly coloured paints, e.g. yellow, red, orange,
green, typically contain the highest levels of lead
➢ Include low-lead colours such as white in the range
Conducting a Survey of Lead Content in New Paint for Sale
36
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Linking Analytical Data to Paint Market Information
• Useful to link data about lead content of paints to information about the
manufacturers selling paint on the national market
• Relevant information includes:
➢ Available brands on the market, both locally-produced and imported products
➢ Size of manufacturer and relative sales volume
➢ Information on paint-can labels about ingredients, hazard warnings about lead, or
statements indicating low lead content
37
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• This information can be used:
➢ as evidence when enacting and enforcing regulations on production, export / import,
sales and use of paint with added lead
➢ to show the need to include a labeling requirement in the regulation
➢ in outreach to industry stakeholders for dialogue about regulatory controls on lead paint
• For additional information:
➢ Description of how to conduct a market survey is in a 2013 UNEP/IPEN report (4)
➢ Module F of the toolkit provides paint study results in different countries
Linking Analytical Data to Paint Market Information
38
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Lead paint testing is a necessary part of enforcement and compliance activities of regulations to drive
elimination of lead paint.
• Choice of analytical method to measure lead in paint depends on many factors, such as the reason for analysis,
number of samples, cost limitations, need for precise measurement, etc
• For new paint, three good laboratory methods are available that vary in cost and limit of detection
• For existing painted surfaces, reliable measurement methods are off-site laboratory analysis or on-site,
portable XRF (costs and limit of detection vary)
• International standards exist for laboratory competency, sampling and testing
• Market surveys of new paints for sale are used to determine the presence
of lead paint and can provide evidence to justify regulation and
to monitor compliance
Summary
39
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
References1. Model law and guidance for regulating lead paint. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme; 2018
(https://www.unep.org/resources/publication/model-law-and-guidance-regulating-lead-paint, accessed 8 April 2021).
2. Brief guide to analytical methods for measuring lead in paint, 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization: 2020 (https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/332932, accessed 8 April 2021)
3. Test method: CPSC-CH-E1003-09.1: Standard operating procedure for determining lead (Pb) in paint and other similar surface coatings. Gaithersburg (MD): United States Consumer Product Safety Commission; 2011
4. Lead in enamel decorative paint: national paint testing results: a nine-country study (survey method described in pages 36-38). Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme; 2013 (https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/22872/Lead_enamel_paint.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y, accessed 8 April 2021)
40
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Available WHO Resources: Brief Guide to Analytical Methods for Measuring Lead in Paint
41
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240006058
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Disclaimer
42
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition
ISBN 978-92-4-003454-9 (electronic version)
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© World Health Organization 2021
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Conducting Awareness-Raising
Campaigns on Lead
International Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate
lead paint
Second Edition
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Outline
• Background
• Aims of the ILPPW
• Communication materials available for use in local campaigns
• Guidance on organizing a campaign
• Planning and registering your campaign
• Examples of campaign activities around the world
2
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• One of the tasks of the Global Alliance to Eliminate
Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance) is to raise awareness
of the toxicity of lead to human health and the
environment
• The Business Plan of the Lead Paint Alliance identifies
an awareness campaign as a priority action
• International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week was
established in 2013 – it takes place in the last full
week in October
Background
https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-lead-poisoning-prevention-week
3
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Aims of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW)
LEARN the Risks
Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children. There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.
JOIN the Action
Join the global movement by taking action to prevent lead poisoning, particularly in children. Materials are provided to organize an activity or event to highlight the harm that lead causes and the action that can be taken to prevent exposure, with a focus on the development of lead paint laws.
ELIMINATE Lead Paint
Work with governments and stakeholders to establish laws eliminating lead paint and ensuring effective enforcement of lead paint regulations. paint regulation.
4
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Campaign Guidance and Materials Provided by Lead Paint Alliance Partners
• Range of communication materials in 6 languages
• Guidance on organizing campaigns
• Dedicated campaign webpages
Note: See slides 6-8
5
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Infographics, posters, flyers, icons, web banners, fact sheets,
Questions and Answers
➢ Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian
➢ Can be incorporated into or customized for local campaigns
• 4 things you should know about lead - short video in
English, French, Russian and Spanish
Range of Communication Materials Available for Use in Local Campaigns
6
https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-lead-
poisoning-prevention-week/2020
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Additional Materials Available from Dedicated WHO Web PageThe campaign-designated webpage is available in six WHO official languages. Event organizers can easily
scroll down to access the repository of materials, registration form, list of registered events etc.
7
https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-
lead-poisoning-prevention-week/2020
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Guidance on How to Organize a Campaign
• This document is based on the experience of the
Lead Paint Alliance in promoting and facilitating
successful awareness-raising campaigns, including
International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
• The Guidance describes the principles of organizing
effective advocacy or awareness-raising activities,
describes methods that can be used for different
audiences and provides examples of campaign
activities.
8
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/334339
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Develop a single overarching communication objective - ask yourself:
➢ What is the issue you wish to cover?
➢ Why do you want to focus on the issue and why now?
➢ Who needs to change their behaviour (who is the audience)?
➢ What is the change you want to see as a result of your communication?
• Ensure your main message is clear, concise and relevant to your audience
➢ The audience should understand "what's in it for me"
Steps in Planning a Campaign: Decide the Objective
9
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Steps in Planning a Campaign: Six Principles of Effective Communication
❑ Accessible
❑ Actionable
❑ Credible and trusted
❑ Relevant
❑ Timely
❑ Understandable
10
6 Principles of Effective Communication
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Steps in Planning a Campaign: The Message (7 Cs)
• Catch the attention - frame and present your campaign so that it catches the
attention of your audience
• Clarify your message - keep your message(s) unambiguous and clear
• Communicate benefit - what will they gain?
• Be Consistent - make sure that all materials convey the same messages
• Cater to both the heart and the head - develop materials that arouse emotions as well as giving facts
• Create trust - make sure information is authoritative and reliable
• Call to action - ask the audience to act e.g.:
➢ Encourage governments to introduce legally-binding controls on lead in paint
➢ Encourage manufacturers to phase-out lead from paints
11
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Decide which communication channel(s) is/are most appropriate for your message and
audience, e.g.:
Events
Setting up an information stand in a public location with materials describing the health
hazards of lead paint, and with personnel in attendance to answer questions
Presentation at a paint industry trade association congress
Workshops, webinars and round-table discussions with stakeholders: to present technical
information and explanation of the rationale and supporting evidence for the elimination of
lead paint
Additional examples of events are available on the awareness-raising guide on page 21
Steps in Planning a Campaign: The Channels
12
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Steps in Planning a Campaign The Channels (Continued)
A policy brief that provides key information in a short document as a good way to introduce lead paint elimination
to senior government officials who may be unfamiliar with the issue
Development of a series of case studies describing how other countries have regulated lead paint and/or how
manufacturers have phased lead out of their products
Media
Newspaper or magazine articles, radio or television broadcasts can reach a wide audience: used
to explain the need to eliminate lead paint
Social media posts can be used to convey key messages about lead paint and can
provide links to more detailed information
13
Additional examples of events are available on the
awareness-raising guide on page 21
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Identify Partners for Your Campaign on Lead Paint
• Allied governmental bodies
• Scientists
• General public (parents,
students, teachers)
• Civil society
• Paint industry, workers
14
• WHO
• UNEP
• International NGOs (IPEN)
• International industry associations
• Leading scientific centres
• Professional societies
National International
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• In the following slides brief descriptions are given of ILPPW activities in the
selected countries:
➢ Africa: Benin, Kenya
➢ Americas: Honduras, Jamaica
➢ Eastern Mediterranean: Lebanon, Morocco
➢ Europe: Belarus, Tajikistan
➢ South-East Asia: Nepal
Note: There are many more examples than are presented on this slide,
including the social media campaigns at the end of this module.
Examples of Campaign Activities Around the World
15
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
ILPPW Activities in Benin, 2020
• Organized by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry Living
Environment and Sustainable Development
• Its main purpose was to inform and raise public
awareness of the health and environmental impact of
lead-containing paints.
• It brought the parties together in order to continue
discussions for the drafting of a lead paint
regulation in Benin.
• The commemoration took place in two
main activities: awareness raising and the
drafting of a regulatory text.16
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
ILPPW Activities in Kenya, 2020
• A series of activities were organized around the theme “Intensified
campaigns to eliminate the import, export, manufacture, sale and use of
lead paint across the East African Region (EAC).”
• The EAC virtual conference was sponsored by Basco Paint company with co-
ordination of the Chemistry Department of the University of Nairobi.
• Kenya’s ILPPW activities were covered in a newspaper report in Nation Africa.
• In addition, a master’s student and three undergraduate students from the
Chemistry Department disseminated findings on evaluation of lead levels in
automotive paints in Kenyan markets and carried out a study of lead levels in the
effluent treatment plants of paint companies in Kenya.
17
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• The Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources, through its Pollutants Research
and Control Center, organized two webinars and a competition on infographics for raising
awareness about lead exposure.
• A national stakeholders’ dialogue on the
development of a lead paint law took place with
31 participants from various ministries, paint
manufacturing companies and academia.
• A webinar on lead-free children for a safe future
had 91 participants from governments, civil society
and the private sector.
ILPPW Activities in Honduras, 2020
18
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
ILPPW Activities in Jamaica, 2020
• The Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN) organized
two webinars:
➢ Milestones on regulatory actions to eliminate lead in paints.
The event had participants from governments, civil society
and academia, including the CARICOM Secretariat.
➢ Lead Poisoning: Your Child's health and learning. Awareness-
raising event targeted at parents and students about the
impacts of lead in human health and specially, in children.
19
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
ILPPW Activities in Morocco, 2020
• The WHO Centre for Environmental Health Action in collaboration
with the WHO Morocco Office and the Ministry of Health organized
the ILPPW campaign to facilitate the implementation of the new
lead paint standard in Morocco, to increase industry support to
phase out the addition of lead to paint and to raise awareness
about the importance to stop using lead-based ingredients in paints.
• A videoconference was organized to raise the importance of the new update of the
national standard 03.3.338 covering the maximum content of lead in paints for
household use. The videoconference was attended by 40 participants from main
stakeholders involved in this area of work, especially private companies operating in the
production of paints in Morocco, and Ministries of Interior, Industry and Environment.
20
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Government (MoNHSRC)
facilitated a round-table conference to discuss the status of lead poisoning in Pakistan, and to synthesize
the government response regarding which preventive measures should be taken to control lead
exposure in children and adults.
• Participants were representatives from Ministry of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of
Energy and Petroleum Division, Capital Development Authority, Pakistan Standard and Quality Control
Authority, and Academia.
• It was agreed that collective efforts were required to reduce the use and
releases of lead, and to reduce environmental and occupational exposures,
particularly for children and women of childbearing age.
ILPPW Activities in Pakistan, 2020
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
ILPPW Activities in Belarus, 2020
• Under the “umbrella” title of “Facilitating the global phase-out of lead paint” a range of
awareness-raising events was organized about the toxicity of lead in paints and the
availability of high-quality technical and safer alternatives. The campaign was coordinated
by the Republican Unitary Enterprise "Scientific and Practical Center for Hygiene“.
• Events included: round table discussions, webinar online
presentations, journal publications, and events at a kindergarten.
• The target audiences were: government agencies, manufacturers of
paints and varnishes, trade unions, medical workers and the
education system
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
ILPPW Activities in Tajikistan, 2020
• Tajikistan is working on the development of national
legislation on the prohibition of lead in paints and
establishing a limit of 90 ppm for lead content.
• The activities started in October 2020 and continued through ILPPW 2020 and
beyond.
• Tajikstandard organized a series of meetings on the development of the Technical
Regulation “Safety of paint and varnish products”.
• WHO participated in the meeting virtually and presented information on the health
arguments for phasing out the use of lead.
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Center for Public Health and Environmental Development organized series of
programs on advocacy and awareness raising with the technical and financial
support from WHO Country Office, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and
Population, National Health Education Information and Communication Center
• The activities were oriented to capacity building, prevention
of lead exposure through effective implementation of lead
paint standards in Nepal
• Along with customization of Lead Paint Alliance materials,
production and broadcasting massively reached out over
two millions people of Nepal.
ILPPW Activities in Nepal, 2020
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Some Other Examples of Social Media Campaigns
• Twitter campaigns e.g. #BanLeadPaint – forwarded by multiple organizations
and individuals
• Campaign Facebook page
• Live event on social media on lead poisoning
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Register Your Campaign
• Register your event on the WHO webpage https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-lead
-poisoning-prevention-week/2020/registration
• See who else is organising events in your
area and consider joining forces
• Consider customizing Lead Paint Alliance
materials
➢ Multiple events using same icons and messages increases the global impact of the campaign
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
• Dedicated ILPPW website, available in six languages at:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-lead-poisoning-prevention-week
• Guidance on organizing an advocacy or awareness-raising campaign on lead
paint, available in six languages at:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240011496
• Report of the 2020 International Lead Poisoning Prevention week
Resources of This Module
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO ELIMINATE LEAD PAINT
Disclaimer
28
Toolkit for establishing laws to eliminate lead paint, second edition
ISBN 978-92-4-003454-9 (electronic version)
ISBN 978-92-4-003455-6 (print version)
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