Date:15/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/15/stories/2004071505110400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

`Painting' a grim picture

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JULY 14. The unacceptably high level of lead content in paints being sold in the Indian market was brought to the notice of the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, by the management of a handicapped training institute on Wednesday through an e-complaint.

Alarmed over the very high lead levels in almost all brands of paints, including those marketed by the multinationals, Boggavarapu Seetha Ramaiah Memorial Handicapped Training Centre of Piduguralla, alerted the President to the danger. Pointing out that even 20 micrograms of lead in 100 ml of blood could turn out to be dangerous and that 70 micrograms could be lethal, the centre said that most synthetic enamel shades in yellow, green and orange paints contain 13 per cent of lead.

Referring to the recent order of the State Government to paint school buses yellow, the centre wondered whether the Government was aware of the slow poisoning awaiting the users of these buses.