Topic summary
Lead paint
Lead paint or lead-based paint is paint containing lead. As pigment, lead(II) chromate (PbCrO
4, "chrome yellow"), lead(II,IV) oxide (Pb
3O
4, "red lead"), and lead(II) carbonate (PbCO
3, "white lead") are the most common forms. Lead is added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion. It is one of the main health and environmental hazards associated with paint. Lead paint has been generally phased out of use due to the toxic nature of lead. Alternatives such as water-based, lead-free traffic paint are readily available.
In many countries, lead paint remains permitted for domestic use, whereas in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, there are regulations prohibiting or restricting its use. However, lead paint may still be found in older properties painted prior to the introduction of such regulations. Although lead has been banned from household paints in the United States since 1978, it may still be found in road marking paint and artists' paints.