A new law should be formulated to check the dangerously high level of lead present in the majority of paint brands in the country, opined speakers at a survey report launching programme yesterday.
Out of the 22 brands of paints sold in the country, 19 of them carry dangerously high level of lead. At least one or more paints have lead level above 10,000 ppm, which can be harmful for human body, especially children.
A study conducted by the Environmental and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) and supported by the European Union and IPEN revealed the alarming information.
The report titled “National Report On Lead in New Enamel Household Paints of Bangladesh 2015” was released at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
Shahriar Hossain, general secretary of ESDO, said the usage of lead in household paints had decreased in Bangladesh but the situation was still appalling.
“But there is no law to regulate lead in paint in Bangladesh. We have been raising our voices in this regard for a long time but to no use,” he added.
The survey report revealed that five brands sell paints with lead levels below 90 ppm; 7 brands—85% of the paint market—sell paints with lead content levels below 600 ppm.
The number of paints with lead levels below 90 ppm has increased since the last paint study in 2012-2013, the report said referring to its study conducted in 2012-13.
Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, general secretary of Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers Association, said: “There is no need to be worried as we are working on it. We hope to eradicate lead from the paint within one year.”
He also demanded to formulate law to regulate lead in paint.
Siddika Sultana, ED of ESDO, delivered the welcome speech while former secretary Syed Marghub Murshed chaired the programme.
