Paint study

In September 2023, LEEP and CASE conducted a paint study in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective was to assess the availability of lead paint on the market. The study was initiated at the request of the Ministry of Health, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing public health concerns associated with lead exposure. LEEP and CASE obtained 56 samples of solvent-based paints and anti-corrosive paints intended for home use from stores in Abidjan. Red, yellow, and white paints were purchased. 19 different brands were purchased, representing nine different manufacturers. 12 of the 56 samples were from six locally manufactured brands, and the other 44 were from three imported brands.

CASE staff prepare paint samples at their laboratory.

All paints were analysed by a laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, USA for lead content based on dry weight using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The laboratory is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and it participates in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing program (ELPAT). The laboratory’s analytical methods and certifications are consistent with those recommended by the World Health Organisation for measuring lead in paint.

Results summary

The results showed that 21 of the 56 samples (37.5%) contained hazardous levels of lead (exceeding 90 ppm, the maximum level recommended by the WHO and UNEP). Yellow paints had the highest lead concentrations: their average concentration was 17,222 ppm, and the highest concentration detected was 52,000 ppm. This indicates that lead pigments and/or lead driers may be the source of lead.

Lead content of the 56 samples of solvent-based paints. 90 ppm is the maximum limit recommended by the WHO and UNEP.

Stakeholder workshops

An industry workshop was co-organized by LEEP and CASE in November 2023, bringing together several government entities and industry representatives. Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, the Senate, and major paint manufacturers. At the workshop, the study results were presented, and next legislative steps toward eliminating lead paint were discussed. The workshop marked a significant step in raising awareness and building consensus on the need for lead paint regulations.

Another workshop was organised by the Ministry of Health through the Directorate of Public Hygiene and Environmental Health (DHPSE) and LEEP in May 2024. During the workshop, government representatives who attended the workshop made a commitment to adopt a decree on lead paint by December 2024. This decree aims to enforce the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regulation, which mandates a limit of 90 ppm on lead content in paints. Since the workshop, an action plan has been defined, and a first draft of the decree has been prepared by the Ministry of Health and shared with relevant government entities for review.

Representatives from LEEP, the Ministry of Health, CASE, and the Senate during the stakeholder meeting in November 2023.

Engagement with manufacturers

Following the paint study, LEEP successfully engaged with all four of the local lead paint manufacturers identified by the study in Côte d’Ivoire to provide technical assistance. Three of them have expressed a willingness to work with LEEP, and one has stated that it is willing to reformulate to lead-free paint. This collaboration is crucial for the successful implementation of the new regulations.

Acknowledgements and thanks

LEEP thanks the excellent teams at the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, the Ministry of the Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition and the African Centre for Environmental Health (CASE) for their commitment to and partnership on this project.

Representatives from LEEP and government entities during a government workshop in May 2024.