Brush with danger: Most paints don’t meet the cut

A study conducted by Toxics Link and IPEN has found that many solvent-based household and decorative paints sold in India exceed the permissible levels of lead, causing irreversible lead poisoning. Out of 51 paints tested, 90% contained lead concentrations above 90 ppm, with 76% having extremely high concentrations above 10,000 ppm. The report highlights the need for stronger compliance monitoring and enforcement to ensure adherence to the ban on paints with high lead concentrations. The World Health Organization recognizes lead paint as a major cause of mental retardation in children.