The British Coatings Federation has released a statement supporting the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Health Organization’s call to eliminate lead from paints.
Although decorative paint sold in the UK to the public has been free of any added lead since the 1960s, some industrial and decorative paint sold under licence to professional applicators for use on historic buildings, continues to contain lead pigments.
The objective of the campaign is to phase out the manufacture and sale of paints containing lead and minimise any exposure to paints containing lead. Currently, lead-based products have to be used under strict health and safety controls to minimise any possible exposure.
The BCF is urging members to move to alternatives to lead, in order to eliminate the environmental and health concerns associated with lead-based products.
Tony Mash, CEO of The British Coatings Federation commented: “The BCF is giving its full support to the international legislation, which aims to eradicate the use of all lead in the manufacture of paint and coatings."
