Lead contamination in paint remains a serious public health issue in Bangladesh, with recent
studies showing dangerously high levels in many decorative paints, though the government is
now finalizing a national strategy to eliminate lead pollution. The Bangladesh Standards and
Testing Institution (BSTI), UNICEF, Bangladesh Paint Manufacturer Association (BPMA), and
NGOs like ESDO are actively pushing for updated standards and enforcement.

What is Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal, because its density is very high. Generally, metals that
have a very high density are called ‘heavy metals’. These metals have a large metal density of 5
gcm³. The density of lead is about 11.34 grams per cubic centimeter and the atomic number is 82,
which indicates a heavy element. And lead is not only heavy, it is a toxic metal that can harm the
body and the environment. Lead is easily oxidized and forms various compounds, which are
permanent in the environment. Therefore, due to its toxicity and weight, it is
considered a dangerous heavy metal.

Lead Sources in Paint & Coatings

Health Impact: Lead based paint film peels or cracks, it releases fine lead dust, which can
easily enter the body with the breath. Breathing in this dust allows lead particles to enter the
lungs and then the bloodstream. Lead is a systemic toxicant that impacts every organ in the
human body, with its effects posing particularly severe risks to children and pregnant women.
According to UNICEF and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the country indeed ranks 4th
globally in terms of children affected by lead poisoning, with over 35 million children showing
dangerously high lead levels in their blood.

Environmental Impact: Lead pollution from paint harms the environment by
contaminating soil, water, and air. When lead-based paint deteriorates or is improperly removed,
toxic particles settle into soil, wash into water bodies, and disperse through the air. This
persistent contamination disrupts ecosystems, poisons wildlife, and enters the food chain—
posing long-term risks to agriculture, biodiversity, and human health. Improper disposal of
unused paint often leads to serious environmental damage, as it is commonly thrown on the
ground or into water bodies. This practice should never be followed; instead, paint must always
be disposed of in a safe and proper manner. Furthermore, old buildings or those repainted after
long periods require careful maintenance. Cracked and deteriorating paint should be repainted
promptly to prevent harmful lead dust from entering the air and posing risks to human health and
the environment.

WHO and BSTI Guideline: There is no safe level of lead exposure. Among various
environmental pathways, lead-based paints are identified as a major contributors of lead
contamination in homes and communities. The WHO, together with UNEP and the Global
Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP), sets the recommended maximum lead content in
paints at 90 ppm. Through S.R.O 221-Law/2018, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing
Institution (BSTI) introduced a 90 ppm total lead limit setting standards for architectural coatings
such as emulsion, latex, distemper, and enamel, in alignment with the WHO/UNEP Model Law.
So far industrial, marine, automotive, wood, and specialized paints remain unregulated, and
enforcement of the existing rule is limited. In this issue, Bangladesh Standards and Testing
Institution (BSTI) developed three mandatory standards in 2018 (BDS 1423:2018, BDS
1827:2018, and BDS 1833:2018)

Critical Analysis of the ESDO Findings: In 2025, the Environmental and Social
Development Organization (ESDO) conducted a Lead Exposure Elimination Project to assess the
presence of lead in household paints. A total of 161 paint samples were collected from Dhaka
and Chattogram, covering both major paint brands as well as products from local manufacturers
and imported sources. The study provides critical insights into the extent of lead contamination
in paints available in Bangladesh, highlighting risks to public health and the urgent need for
stronger regulation and consumer awareness.

The pie charts (Figure: 01) shows 42.2% of samples (68/161) exceeded the BSTI standard 90
ppm limit, Most of these were imported and produced by small-scale unregistered manufacturers
who failed to maintain safety labeling, manufacturing address, certification marks, TDS, and
MSDS. All leading brands (Berger, Asian, Nippon, Elite, etc.) comply with the 90 ppm limit,
ensuring safety.

In Figure: 02, Kangaroo (Imported Brand) yellow paint was found to contain 190,000 ppm of
lead—an alarming 2,111 times higher than the BSTI legal limit of 90 ppm. Other brands such as
Jhumur (White: 9500 ppm), 777(Tangerine: 6700 ppm), Rauza (Mid Green: 6200 ppm), Anchor
Premium (Red Oxide: 4800 ppm), and Penguin (Pink: 1700 ppm) show lead levels that are
extremely high compared to the standard legal limit. All are solvent-based decorative paints
except for Penguin, which is a spray paint. Bright shades such as Yellow, Red, Tangerine, and
Green contain exponentially higher lead content compared to lighter tones. Yellow and orange
paints are strongly associated with lead chromate pigments, while green and blue paints often
contain lead oxide chromate. These pigments are commonly used in solvent-based formulations.
Red paints typically contain lead molybdate pigments or employ lead dryers such as lead
naphthenate, which are added to enhance vibrancy and durability.

Lead-Free Progress in Bangladesh’s Paint Sector: In Bangladesh’s rapidly growing
paint industry, Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd stands as the market leader, commanding more
than half of the national market share. But beyond commercial dominance, Berger has positioned
itself as a pioneer in sustainability and public health by eliminating lead from its paints and ecofriendly innovation.

Berger Paints Bangladesh became the first company in the country to eliminate lead from all paints in 2011. Today, all of its water-based products and textile chemicals are formulated to be free from heavy metals, low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), and devoid of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive (CMR) substances.

Looking ahead, Berger has set a clear sustainability target to make all water-based products APEO-free by 2025. According to recent studies by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), several established companies—including Asian Paints, Nippon Paint, and Elite Paint—are maintaining compliance with the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) regulation that limits lead content in paints to 90 ppm. In contrast, imported paints and products from unregistered local manufacturers were found to contain dangerously high levels of lead, representing a serious violation of compliance and regulatory standards.

The tests were conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy
(ICP-OES), with a reporting limit of 49 ppm compared to the BSTI standard of 90 ppm. In
contrast, third-party reports on Berger Paints showed that lead was not detected, with a reporting
threshold as low as 10 ppm.

Test reports on Berger’s popular Easy Clean brand confirm that the product is completely leadfree, with no lead detected against a reporting limit of 10 ppm compared to the BSTI standard of 90 ppm. Moreover, Easy Clean is also free from all types of heavy metals, reinforcing Berger’s
commitment to consumer safety and environmental responsibility. The company uses lead-free
labeling across all of its products to promote consumer awareness and highlight its commitment
to safety.

The ESDO report revealed that only 21.6% of paints tested (35 out of 162 samples) carried
“Lead-Free” or “Eco-Friendly” labeling. Alarmingly, four of these paints were found to contain
lead despite displaying a lead-free logo, highlighting serious gaps in compliance and misleading
consumer practices.

When asked about this, Dr. ASM Obaidullah Mahmud, Chief R&D Officer at Berger Paints
Bangladesh Limited, said “lead pollution from paints is a critical public health issue, particularly
for children. At Berger Paints Bangladesh, we recognized this risk early and eliminated lead
from all our formulations in 2011. Through advanced research and innovation, we replaced lead-based pigments and additives with safe alternatives that deliver the same durability and colour
performance without toxicity. Our R&D strategy is clear—innovate safer alternatives, uphold
strict quality standards, and collaborate with regulators and stakeholders to build a healthier,
lead-free environment for future generations. Our team is committed to embedding climate
resilience and green innovation into every product line, ensuring that paint is not just a coating
but a contributor to healthier living spaces.”

The Role of BSTI, BPMA, NGOs, and National/International Organization:

On July 3, 2018, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) introduced a lead limit
of 90 ppm for decorative paints, aligning the country with international standards. This was a
landmark step toward protecting public health, particularly children, from the dangers of lead
exposure. However, no regulatory limit has yet been set for industrial paints, leaving a
significant gap in protection. Industrial paints, widely used in factories, construction, and
infrastructure, continue to pose risks to workers and surrounding communities. To address this
gap, the active participation of all stakeholders is essential. An executive committee already
formed to establish a national policy for industrial paints, ensuring that regulations are
comprehensive, inclusive, and effective in combating lead pollution.

Recognizing this urgent need, on November 25, 2025, a policy dialogue titled “Preventing Lead
Poisoning and Updating Standards for Industrial Paints, Cookware, and Toys” was jointly
organized by BSTI, UNICEF, and the Environment and Social Development Organization
(ESDO). The event brought together government agencies, industry representatives, NGOs, and
international partners to discuss strengthening standards, closing regulatory gaps, and advancing
public health protections. BSTI should recommend that the government enact legislation with
strict guidelines for all paint companies. These guidelines must include mandatory product
testing, continuous market monitoring, compulsory labeling, and clearly defined maximum
permissible limits for lead content. Such measures would ensure accountability across the
industry. For a lead- free and safe future, the Environment and Social Development Organization
(ESDO) has consistently advanced international collaborations with UNICEF, UNEP, the
European Union, the World Health Organization, IPEN, ILA, and GAELP. These partnerships
highlight the power of collective action in tackling global health threats. The Bangladesh Paint
Manufacturers Association (BPMA) should actively raise awareness among its members about
the dangers of lead exposure and commit to a specific time frame for making all paints lead- free.
In addition, unregistered paint companies must be identified, and strict action should be taken
against them to ensure accountability and protect public health.

Md. Mohsin Habib Chowdhury, President of the Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers Association
(BPMA), stated that the association is committed to raising awareness among its members,
setting clear timelines to make all paints lead- free, and working closely with regulators to ensure
strict compliance. He emphasized that, through responsible industry practices and strong
enforcement, it is possible to protect children, safeguard communities, and build a healthier,
lead- free future.

Written by: Sk Emadul Bari, Manager –WB Architectural Coating, R&D, Berger Paints
Bangladesh Ltd