Issued by the National Department of Health, Chief Directorate: Communications
25 July 2005
The Department of Health would like to issue a health warning following the discovery of alarmingly high levels of lead - a heavy toxic metal used in the manufacturing of general appliances -in brightly coloured enamel paint available at some retail outlets. The highest levels were found in the yellows, reds, greens and orange coloured paints.
Most at risk are children under the age of four, a period commonly associated with pronounced mouthing behaviour.
Ingestion of the harmful chemical can happen in a variety of ways including the swallowing of lead particles through the hand to mouth pathway such as eating paint chips, chewing nails, sucking fingers contaminated with paint chips, put other painted items and toys that are soiled in their mouths.
High levels of lead in the blood system are known to have long and medium term adverse health effect on both children and adults. The following health and social effects associated with high lead blood levels have been documented:
These symptoms may not be immediate due to delayed effect the chemical has. Thus exposed individuals may have high lead levels in the blood, without knowing it.
Parents and pre-school teachers are urged to take extra precautions in ensuring that children are not unnecessarily exposed to products or environments with dangerous levels of lead. The Department of Health and the Medical Research Council are working closely with the South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA) to create awareness on the dangers of the harmful practice of adding lead to household paint and also to urge manufacturers to adhere to the industry's Code of Practice. The Code prevents the selling of toxic household paint from retail outlets and their use in applications that may put children's health at risk.
Consumers are also advised to seek safety assurance from suppliers to ensure that enamel paint products they purchase do not contain lead.
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha: 083 678 9860