News

Lead alert!

It's not enough to just strip off old paint in the nursery or home to remove the lead danger; the dust or fumes can still seriously harm children, warns Barbara Millar Paint containing lead has not been sold in the UK since 1950. But until it was prohibited, white lead was the most common white pigment in primers and topcoats applied to wooden surfaces. Coloured lead-based pigments were also used in some gloss paints and wall paints.

Paint containing lead has not been sold in the UK since 1950. But until it was prohibited, white lead was the most common white pigment in primers and topcoats applied to wooden surfaces. Coloured lead-based pigments were also used in some gloss paints and wall paints.

Old lead-painted surfaces that are in good condition - or have been painted over with modern paints and then kept in good condition - are normally not likely to be a hazard. But any that are flaking, cracking or chipping and especially those that are accessible to children who might chew or suck them can be extremely hazardous.

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