Ref: HS032, Dec 15

1. Purpose of This Document

Lead pigments were taken out of most paints in the 1960s and lead pigments and driers (at very low levels) were completely removed from decorative paints by the early 1980s. Many wood or metal surfaces painted before the 1960s could contain significant levels of lead.

Lead pigments, either as a white pigment (lead carbonate/lead sulphate) or sometimes as a colouring pigment (yellow and red lead chromes) were widely used in decorative paints applied in houses and other buildings (schools, hospitals etc.) prior to the 1960’s. Although leaded paint has not been used for many decades old lead painted surfaces can still be found, and can represent a possible source of exposure.

The BCF and our UK decorative paint members want to ensure that the general public, and professional painters and decorators, are fully aware of the potential risks to people in homes, commercial properties and public buildings associated with the renovation of painted surfaces that contain lead. We recommend the adoption of these best practices, protecting decorators and others from the exposure to any disturbed old lead painted surfaces during removal and repainting activities. We have also included a comprehensive set of web links to other organisations, which provide additional support on this subject (please note that links and mention of third parties do not imply or confer endorsement by the BCF).

This document is intended for the general public; there is an additional document HS034 available for professional decorators, with more comprehensives information, from the BCF website.

2. Do’s and Don’ts

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