On World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed their call for a global ban on lead chromate in paint. Lead chromate, a pigment used to produce bright yellow, orange, and red colors, poses severe health risks, particularly to children, causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other neurological damage.
According to UNEP, lead paint remains a significant source of lead exposure worldwide, with many countries still lacking regulations to control its use. The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, led by UNEP and WHO, aims to phase out the manufacture, import, and sale of paints containing lead by 2026. As of early 2026, over 100 countries have legally binding controls on lead paint, but progress is uneven.
In many low- and middle-income countries, lead chromate is still widely used in decorative and industrial paints. Studies have shown that paint samples from these regions often contain lead levels far exceeding international safety standards. The cost of lead-free alternatives has decreased, making the transition economically feasible.
Experts emphasize that eliminating lead paint is a cost-effective public health intervention. The WHO estimates that lead exposure accounts for over 900,000 premature deaths annually and contributes to intellectual disabilities in millions of children. Advocacy groups are urging governments to adopt strict regulations and enforce compliance.
