Global elimination of lead paint: Why and how countries should take action

This document has been developed for officials in government who have a role in regulating lead paint, to provide them with concise technical information on the rationale and steps required to phase out lead paint. “Lead paint” or “lead-based paint” is paint to which one or more lead compounds have been intentionally added by the manufacturer to obtain specific characteristics.

This document explains the health and economic importance of preventing lead exposure by establishing legally binding controls to stop the addition of lead to paint. It also describes the support available to countries to take this action.