Lead poisoning affects one in three children globally, with large but neglected impacts on health and education. One important source of exposure is the use of lead as a pigment in the form of lead chromates, in paints, plastics, and even food. Lead chromates are toxic and safe alternatives exist: Its continued use is effectively prohibited in the European Union and the United Kingdom and is highly restricted in other high-income countries. In this paper, we present new data documenting the global trade in lead chromates. Exports are dominated by companies based in India, but we also show significant ongoing exports from high-income countries including the United States, Canada, and Spain, despite these countries placing bans or strong restrictions on use in their own territories. Many exports go to countries with low capacity to regulate its end use and prevent highly hazardous applications. While the harm posed by any particular shipment or actor depends on the end use of the exported lead chromates, which is not possible to determine, the volume of exports from rich to poor countries could be sufficient to poison hundreds of thousands of children. We conclude with recommendations to policymakers to end the detrimental and unnecessary use of lead chromates.
Photo by Gustavo Fring