Term: lead in paint

"Lead in paint" refers to the presence of lead, a toxic heavy metal, used as an additive in paint to improve durability, moisture resistance, and color retention. Historically, lead compounds—such as lead carbonate (white lead) and lead chromate—were commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial paints.

In Australia, the use of lead in paint has been heavily regulated due to health risks. Lead-based paints were widely used before the 1970s, and paints with high lead content (over 1% lead by dry weight) were banned for residential use in 1997. Today, the maximum allowable lead content in most paints is 0.1%.

Health risks of lead in paint:

• Lead is highly toxic, especially to children and pregnant women.
• Exposure can occur through inhalation or ingestion of lead dust or paint chips.
• It can cause developmental delays, neurological damage, and other serious health issues.

Implications for painters and contractors:

• When working on older buildings, especially those built before 1970, there is a risk of disturbing lead-based paint.
• Safe work practices, including proper PPE, containment, and disposal methods, are essential.
• In Australia, compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and EPA guidelines is mandatory when dealing with lead paint.

Always test for lead before sanding, stripping, or demolishing painted surfaces in older structures.