Time to Get the Lead Out!

It’s time to get the lead out…of paint? I thought we had laws about the keeping lead additives out of paint and we do, in this country. But those same additives that cause brain damage and other health issues can still be found in the paint pigment we export to poorer nations. Lead additives in paint cut the cost of raw materials by only a very small amount and both paint with and without lead are sold for the same retail price yet large and small paint manufacturers continue to add lead as a money saving practice. And it seems that they will continue to do so because it isn't illegal to export for use in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and even to our neighbors in Central and South America. So this brings me to thoughts on the problems with lead in some of the toys and children’s jewelry that we import from China and the outrage we expressed when we discovered this. The same thoughts occur when I think about the dog food treats that sickened and killed so many of our pets, yet we allow harmful products to go in return to turn a profit. Humans are at risk because of these practices. Global efforts will be needed to get the lead out in the big scheme of things but I think it’s time to put pressure from within our nation to put an end to lead additives in the paint we sell not just here at home, but everywhere on this planet we call our home.