Ban Leaded Paint & Cosmetics egroup is a global network of individuals, non-government organisations (NGOs) including consumer groups, government agencies, companies and industry associations seeking to achieve a global ban of leaded surface coatings including paints and inks, and leaded cosmetics and toiletries. It is moderated by The Global Lead Advice and Support Service (GLASS) - a free information and referral service aiming to protect the environment from lead and eliminate lead poisoning globally. GLASS is run by an Australian not-for-profit community group called The LEAD Group. The LEAD Group is working between November 2005 and March 2006 on a HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW OF CONTROLS ON THE USE OF LEAD IN SURFACE COATINGS, INKS, COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES for the NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NOTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT SCHEME (NICNAS) in Australia.
The long-term aim of this egroup is to achieve a global phase-out of leaded surface coatings and cosmetics, which will require campaigning efforts by people in every country still using these leaded products (currently every country in the world). While most people believe that lead paint has been banned in many countries, the reality is not so. Lead paint for residential uses (interior and exterior house paint and fence paint) is allowed in many countries and lead paint for marine and auto applications (boat paint and car paint) and other industrial applications is allowed universally. No country is known to have banned leaded cosmetics or toiletries such as hair colour restorer. So when people ask: "When was lead paint banned?" The answer is: "Sometime in the future when we can get our act together."
The role of The LEAD Group is to function as an information resource and we hope this Ban Leaded Paint & Cosmetics egroup will be a self-help group which can provide advice and assistance to anyone interested in achieving these bans.