News Release

2005-38
May 10, 2005
For immediate release

New restrictions on lead and mercury in paints, enamels and similar products

OTTAWA – Health Canada today announced that regulations are now in place that set new, lower acceptable levels for lead and mercury in paints, enamels, varnishes, lacquers, shellacs or similar materials that dry to a solid film on the application surface. The regulations do not apply to materials that become absorbed into the application surface, such as wood stains and sealers.

Under the new regulations, published in Canada Gazette part II on May 4, 2005, the lead content limit has been reduced from 5000 mg/kg (0.5 percent by weight) to 600 mg/kg (0.06 percent by weight) for surface coating materials used in or around the home or other premises where children or pregnant women may become exposed, or on furniture, toys and other articles for children, as well as on pencils and artists’ brushes. The mercury content limit has been set at 10 mg/kg (0.001 percent by weight) for all surface coating materials. The majority of the Canadian paint and coatings industry is already producing consumer surface coating materials within these limits, but these regulations will formalize these requirements for surface coating materials advertised, sold or imported into Canada.

Lead and mercury are harmful to health, especially in children. Exposure to low lead levels in utero and during infancy or early childhood can result in smaller body size, behavioural problems, learning disabilities and reduced intelligence. Lead exposure also increases the risk of miscarriages, stillbirths and premature deliveries in pregnant women. The health effects of mercury exposure can include a decrease in intelligence, delays in walking and talking, lack of coordination, blindness and seizures.
Health Canada has consulted widely over the years in the development of these regulations. The regulatory changes formally align Canada’s requirements for surface coating materials with those of the United States. Additionally, regulation of these products provides a level playing field for all domestic and imported surface coatings marketed in Canada. The new regulations came into force on April 19, 2005.

Additional information on the health effects of lead and mercury in children and adults can be found at:

http://hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/environ/lead-plomb_e.html
http://hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/environ/merc_e.html

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Media Inquiries:
Paul Duchesne
Health Canada
(613) 954-4807

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991