Strategy to Eliminate Poisonous Lead

...Collaborative Efforts to Combat Harmful Substances in Paint and Protect Public Health Gain Momentum

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (22-10-2024) -The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has signaled its willingness to collaborate with the Children Environmental Health Foundation (CEHF) and other stakeholders in refining and improving regulations to include lead poisoning, which is not currently covered under compulsory standards. 

Speaking at a consultative meeting held on October 22, 2024, at the Grand Palace Hotel in Lusaka, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga emphasized the need for establishing a compulsory standard for lead content in paint, an area that ZCSA does not yet regulate, to better safeguard public health and the environment.

The meeting, held on October 22, 2024, is part of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW), which marks 12 years of global action to eliminate lead in paint. The primary objectives of ILPPW are to raise awareness about the health effects of lead exposure, highlight initiatives to prevent exposure—especially in children—and urge countries to enact regulatory actions to eliminate lead paint.

Chizinga noted that the ZCSA currently regulates 61 products, including High Gloss Synthetic Enamel Paint (ZS 295) and Emulsion Paints for Interior and External Use (ZS 201). 

He encouraged delegates to assess the adequacy of existing standards and to make recommendations for additional measures.

 “It is my hope that you (delegates) will use today’s meeting to determine whether or not the current compulsory standards for paints are adequate to protect consumers and the environment,” he stated. 

He added, “ZCSA is ready to receive your recommendations on which other standards need to be declared compulsory.”

The executive director explained that the lead-safe paint standard limits total lead content to 90 parts per million (PPM) dry weight, which he described as “one of the strictest regulations globally.” 

He further emphasized, “We enforce all standards once declared mandatory to safeguard consumers and the environment.”

CEHF Executive Director Michael Musenga echoed the urgency of addressing lead in paint, warning of its harmful effects.

 Musenga, who also serves as the National Lead Elimination Advisor, highlighted the need for citizens to be vigilant about lead contamination. 

“Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can have long-lasting effects on their lives,” he cautioned.

Health experts recognize lead as a toxic substance with significant health impacts, particularly affecting the neurological and cardiovascular systems. 

“Lead is a well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts,” a public health expert noted. 

“Young children are especially at risk due to their unique developmental pathways, which can lead to higher exposure levels.” 

The damage caused by lead to the developing brain can result in lifelong challenges, including diminished intellectual capacity.

“Despite recognition of the harmful effects of lead, exposure, particularly during childhood, remains a key concern for healthcare providers and public health officials,” the expert added.

Common sources of lead contamination include mining, smelting, manufacturing, recycling activities, and consumer products that contain lead.