According to the study, over 55 percent of oil-based paint
brands sampled in Harare contained lead levels exceeding the World Health
Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
In some cases, the levels were well over 1 000 times the
safe limit.
Lead is a chemical element often used as an ingredient in
the manufacturing of oil-based paints and batteries.
In paint, it is used to accelerate drying, increase
durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes
corrosion.
However, the lead exposure, particularly in children, can
cause permanent damage to brain development, leading to lower educational
attainment and reduced future potential.
Additionally, long-term exposure can increase the risk of
hypertension, heart disease and other health problems.
The study estimates that lead poisoning from paint and
other sources costs the country US$298 million annually.
“EMA and LEEP’s research found hazardous levels of lead in
five major paint brands and 29 smaller brands,” reads the report.
“Both decorative brush-on oil-based house paints as well as
spray paints were found to be toxic. The most harmful paints were typically
yellow and red colours.”
EMA’s director-general Mr Aaron Chigona said paint
manufacturers must immediately remove lead ingredients from their products.
“The data in this initial study provides clear evidence on
this important issue,” he said. “We strongly urge manufacturers to immediately
remove lead ingredients from their paint.
“LEEP provides free support to manufacturers to help them
in this process and EMA encourages industry to take up this offer.”EMA, he
said, was in the process of crafting new regulations to enforce the removal of
lead from paints.
“EMA will be taking steps to regulate lead in oil-based
paint and to create a country free from the harms of lead paint exposure.”
LEEP co-executive director Dr Clare Donaldson said her
organisation was happy to support the Government’s efforts to regulate paint
manufacturing.
“We applaud EMA’s initiative in conducting this important
study and look forward to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts to
regulate lead paint,” she said.
“As more manufacturers worldwide switch to paint without
added lead, we encourage industry partners in Zimbabwe to take up LEEP’s offer
of free support.
“We offer no-cost technical assistance to industry partners
looking to remove lead from their paint and to solve this critical problem
together.”
WHO representative to Zimbabwe Professor Jean-Marie Dangou
said by addressing the issue of lead poisoning in Zimbabwe, Government can
protect the health of its citizens and promote sustainable economic
development.
“WHO recognises the economic impact of lead poisoning,
which includes increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and decreased
economic growth,” he said.
“The WHO urges the Government of Zimbabwe to review their
paint production processes with the aim of reducing lead content below the
recommended limit set by WHO.
“It is crucial that we take intentional steps to protect
our children from the devastating effects of lead poisoning.” Sunday Mail
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