Paint study

Between 2022-2023, the Ministry of the Environment and the Fight Against Desertification of Niger, which is represented by the General Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development (DG/EDD), and the Ministry of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs of Niger (MSP/P/AS), which is represented by the Directorate of Public Hygiene and Environmental Health (DH/PSE), in partnership with LEEP, conducted a study to determine the lead content of paints available on the Nigerien market.

The DG/EDD, the DH/PSE, and LEEP tested paints manufactured in and imported into Niger to indicate the extent to which paint is a source of lead exposure in the country. The team responsible for the study collected 49 samples of solvent-based paints, water-based paints, spray paints, and tints (also known as colourants) intended for home use. These samples were gathered from three cities: Niamey, Maradi, and Agadez. These represent the three main importation routes into Niger, giving the study a nationwide scope. Additional brands, particularly from Nigeria, were found in Maradi, and brands from Algeria were found in Agadez. A large number of paint shops were visited to ensure that all available brands were taken into account. Where available, white, yellow, and red colours from each brand were purchased. If these colours were not available but similar colours were, then these were purchased instead.

Paint samples drying in preparation for laboratory analysis.

In total, 31 paint brands were purchased in the study. Four of the samples were from two locally manufactured brands and the other 45 were from 29 imported brands. 12 of the samples were from spray paints, five were from tints, 12 were from water-based paints, two were from anti-rust paints and the remaining 18 were from solvent-based paints.

All the paint samples 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 15 out of the 49 samples (31%) contained hazardous levels of lead (greater than 90 ppm, the maximum level recommended by the WHO and UNEP). All the lead paints came from seven imported brands. These brands are imported from the following countries: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Egypt, and India.

Of the 15 lead paints, eight were oil-based, three were spray paints, three were tints, and one was an anti-rust paint. Five of the lead paints were yellow colours, six were red colours, and four were white colours, indicating that lead pigments and sometimes also dryers are likely the source of the lead.

Of the seven lead paint brands, the market research found five to be “medium” popularity, and the others to be “low” popularity in Niger (these are qualitative indicators based on our initial market research).

Most of the lead paints significantly exceeded the recommended 90 ppm limit. The highest lead content detected was 180,000 ppm, which is 2,000 times the recommended limit.

Lead content of the 49 samples of paints. 90 ppm is the maximum limit recommended by the WHO and UNEP.

Regulation

In March 2024, the DG/EDD, the DH/PSE and LEEP organised a workshop with key stakeholders to discuss the results of the paint study and potential next steps. Niger currently has no legally binding controls on the use of lead in paint: therefore, one of the primary recommendations that the DG/EDD and the DH/PSE made coming out of the workshop was to implement a decree limiting the use of lead in paint in Niger. In August 2024, LEEP, the DG/EDD, and the DH/PSE agreed on a plan to draft regulation that would set a legally binding lead limit in paint in Niger. The regulation is expected to be drafted within the upcoming months.

Manfacturer engagement

LEEP has contacted several of the manufacturers of the lead paints identified in the study.

To date, LEEP has received responses from the three largest manufacturers, who together produce seven of the 15 lead paints identified in the study. They report to LEEP that they are planning to reformulate to lead-free paint. LEEP plans to confirm this with follow-up testing, and will continue to engage with the other lead paint manufacturers who have not yet confirmed their transition to lead-free.

Acknowledgements

LEEP thanks the excellent teams at DG/EDD and the DH/PSE for their commitment to and partnership on this project.

Appendix

The following table shows the lead concentrations of the paints tested in the study:

Lead concentrations of paints tested.