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PPG Paint Will Be Lead-Free By 2020
Sam Lutz • May 31, 2016
Industrial paint is getting safer! Last month, the Pittsburgh-based paint giant PPG made an announcement
that it would eliminate all use of lead in paint by the year 2020. This news followed a release made by paint company Sherwin-Williams stating that it would not be eliminating lead from its industrial paint products.
A Brief History of Lead Paint
White lead was a common ingredient in consumer-grade paint for hundreds of years. Use of lead in paint in the United States can be traced back to colonial times. Starting in the 1940's, consumers began to demand less lead in paint due to health concerns. In 1978, the federal government banned use of lead in paint made available to consumers.
Problems Caused by Lead Paint
Exposure to lead can cause serious health problems in humans, particularly children. Common health issues caused by lead paint include:
- Aggressive Behavior
- Poor Grades and Lowered IQ in Children
- Abdominal Cramps
- Loss of Appetite
- Irritability
- High Blood Pressure
- Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping
- Kidney Dysfunction
- Memory Difficulty
Some Paints Still Contain Lead
Although paint containing lead has been banned from the consumer market since the 1970's, there are still lead-based paints in production today. Lead is a useful ingredient in paint because of its color fastness and durability. Lead-based paint is found in industrial paint products for use on metallic surfaces like bridges and cars.
What this Means to Consumers
Although it is no longer used in homes, lead-based paint can still have an environmental impact. PPG decided to eliminate lead-based paint when presented with an online petition organized by the non-profit Occupational Knowledge International. This petition containing 5,700 signatures pressured PPG to get rid of lead in its industrial products.
Paint containing lead, though not available to consumers in the United States, still manages to find its way to consumer hands in other countries around the world. OK International reports that it has discovered lead-based paint on hardware store shelves in India. These paints are made available to consumers in countries with less regulation. Often these paints contain no labels indicating that they contain lead.
PPG's decision to exclude lead from its industrial paint products is a positive step for organizations concerned about world-wide consumer health. In the future, other paint companies may follow PPG's example.
Stop By Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture
Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture
sells quality paint and paint products to the people of Pittsburgh. Found in two different locations, Ace Paint has everything you need to complete your painting projects, including paint brushes, tarps, thinner and more. We proudly sell paint made by reputable companies. All of our paint products are known for durability and longevity. For more information, or to get the paint you need, stop by Ace Paint today!
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