Does Decorating Paint Still Contain Lead?

Lead was used in paints mainly before 1978, in this year a limit was placed on the amount of lead allowed in paints that are sold for residential use. Lead paint is extremely hazardous and should not be used in residential areas. Lead paint has even caused a death, when a toddler accidentally swallowed a little piece of paint fallen off the wall. Lead can no more be found in decorating paints, in quantities that can cause a health risk. Today decorating paints are made of four ingredient categories, pigments, binders, liquids and additives. As a rule of thumb it can be said that the quality of the paint increases when a higher amount of pigment and binder is used in the mixture of paint. Pigments provide the colour and coverage, binder holds the pigment together and provides a tough finish which adheres well to the surface. Liquids give desired consistency and additives are the ingredients which provide specific pain properties, for example preservatives to keep the paint fresh.

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