Lead poisoning in Bangladesh has been impairing all national development, from child and maternity health to attaining climate resilience. A report by UNICEF and Pure Earth mentioned that in Bangladesh, it is estimated that 35.5 million children are affected with blood lead levels above 5 μg/dL, making the country the fourth most seriously hit in the world in terms of the number of children affected. Children who are exposed to lead suffer significant and long-lasting effects on their health and development, including lifelong learning problems and the ability to work when they are adults. Since 2008 Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO has been working to ban lead-based paint countrywide. As a result of ESDO’s continuous policy advocacy, in 2018, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has imposed a standard for the paint manufacturing industry with a maximum 90 ppm (parts per million) limit for household paint. Now it is high time to look upon a regulation for industrial paints.

Previously ESDO conducted studies on decorative paints to show the scenario, based on what ESDO conducted awareness programs, and advocacy. As a result, a 90ppm (parts per million) mandatory limit for decorative paint was established. The current study was conducted on both decorative and industrial paints with a view to showing the actual scenario of the paints in Bangladesh. Decorative paints were analyzed to compare the lead-based paints situation and to compare with the previous studies so that it can help to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing 90 ppm limit. This time, industrial paints were included to show the lead-based paints scenario in this particular sector. It is expected that the study will help the authority to take necessary steps for setting mandatory limits of 90 ppm for the industrial paints as well.