Global Lead Paint Elimination by 2020: A Test of the Effectiveness of SAICM

Jack Weinberg, IPEN Senior Policy Advisor
Dr. Scott Clark, IPEN Public Health Advisor for Lead Paint, Professor Emeritus, Environmental Health University of Cincinnati

This report on global lead paint elimination was prepared by the global non-governmental organization (NGO) network, IPEN, for distribution at the third meeting of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM3) taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, September 17-21, 2012. It makes the case that lead paints are still widely manufactured, sold and used in developing countries and countries with economies in transition for applications likely to contribute to childhood lead exposure, and that the elimination of such paints should be considered a global priority objective for the Sound Management of Chemicals.

The report argues that the global elimination of all manufacture and sale of lead decorative paints in countries of all regions by 2020 is an achievable objective, and is one against which both the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management can and should be evaluated.