Our paint programs begin with paint studies to identify if and to what extent lead paints are available on the market. We then work with governments to establish and enforce lead paint regulations, and with manufacturers to support the switch to lead-free materials.
theory of change
Our theory of change explains how our paint programs aim to reduce the use of lead paint, thereby decreasing lead exposure and improving children’s health and development.
DETECT
To determine if and to what extent lead paints are available on the market in a given country, our testers visit shops and markets to buy and test paint from the brands people in a country use most, choosing white, red, and yellow from each brand, with a primary focus on oil-based paints since those are most likely to contain lead.
After drying and prepping the samples, LEEP sends these samples to a certified lab that follows standard practices to measure exactly how much lead it contains.
To date, LEEP has completed 38 paint studies in countries across the globe.
REGULATE
Working with governments is an important part of our theory of change. Until lead-free pigments have the same performance, cost, and availability as lead pigments, some manufacturers will not reformulate their paints without requirements — and penalties for non-compliance — in place. Our current theory is that well-enforced regulation is the most effective way to achieve this.
LEEP provides technical support to governments to draft new or improve existing regulations, as well as create enforcement plans that help set clear expectations for industry entities, including outlines for warnings and penalties. LEEP also supports laboratory capacity building, staff training, and workshops to help governments build capacity for testing and enforcement of lead paint regulations.
Spurred by LEEP’s partnership, eight countries have established legally-binding limits on lead in paint for the first time.
ELIMINATE
LEEP engages suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors across the paint industry to move them toward lead-free paint production. This is a critical aspect of our theory of change, and often, LEEP’s education and technical assistance are enough to motivate manufacturers to reformulate, directly protecting consumers.
Globally, LEEP works with more than 400 paint manufacturers, as well as industry associations, offering free technical assistance to support the transition to lead-free paint production. By making these changes, manufacturers can comply with local and international standards, improve business sustainability, and protect the health of workers and consumers.
Initial risk assessment, including sample testing and identification of high-risk paint products;
Advice on identifying and procuring samples from suppliers of lower-risk, lead-free raw materials;
Bespoke technical support from ex-PPG, AkzoNobel, Sherwin Williams, Kansai Paints, and RPM International consultants; and
Free, repeat lead content analysis for new formulations to confirm they are lead-free before market re-entry.
Reformulation assistance