Lead paint

Lead paint refers to any type of paint containing lead compounds. Usually this is white lead (lead carbonate) or red lead (Lead(II,IV) oxide). Lead paint is a serious hazard and can cause lead poisoning if ingested. Sanding lead paint is dangerous and can release lead dust. When lead paint gets old, it will often chip and crack. Lead paint chips taste sweet, which encourages young children to eat them, causing lead poisoning. Lead paint was banned for use in homes in the United States in 1978. Most other countries have also banned lead paint for homes. In some places it is still allowed for industrial use and for artist's paints.

In art
In art, white lead paint is known as flake white or Cremnitz white. It was historically the most common white paint. In addition to use on its own, it was mixed with other colors of paint to lighten them. It was used by many of the most famous painters, such as Vincent van Gogh. It is still available today but is rarely used due to the health risks. In modern times it has mostly been replaced with zinc white or titanium white.

Category:Paints
Category:Lead
Category:Environmental issues