The harmful impacts of lead on human health, particularly in children, have reduced the justification for the extensive use of lead-based paints, despite their advantages in durability, color stability, and moisture resistance. Children are at a higher susceptibility to lead poisoning because they tend to put their hands in their mouths more frequently, have a faster breathing rate, and possess a more absorbent digestive system compared to adults (Ahamed & Siddiqui, 2007). Children's exposure to lead (Pb) through paints has been a worldwide concern for the past fifty years. Although regulatory and safety measures for paint manufacturers, as well as litigation promoting lead-free paints, have been in place for over half a century, lead-based paints continue to be widely used around the globe (Ewers et al., 2011; Njati & Maguta, 2019; Megertu & Bayissa, 2020).
Researchers have traditionally focused on lead (Pb) levels in paints, but few studies have shown that paints also contain other heavy metals (HMs) (Muluneh et al., 2023; Turner & Filella, 2023). Therefore, it is crucial to determine the levels of these other heavy metals in paints due to their harmful effects on human health. Heavy metals present considerable health risks to humans, especially when found in high concentrations in the environment. This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (good health and well-being) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities) by addressing the health and environmental impacts of heavy metals in paints, promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) practices, and contributing to the creation of sustainable and healthy living environments.
Heavy metals (HMs) are naturally occurring elements characterized by an atomic number (Z) greater than 20 and a density exceeding 5 g/cm³ (Shi et al., 2019). Based on this definition, there are 51 HMs in the periodic table (Ali & Khan, 2018). Numerous scientific publications and governmental records have documented studies and regulations concerning heavy metals. These include their sources in the environment, transport, bioaccumulation in biota, as well as their toxicity and harmful effects on living organisms, including humans (Abd Elnabi et al., 2023).
The ecosystem's natural and human-induced sources of heavy metals (HMs) are steadily growing, leading to increased environmental accumulation. Human exposure to these metals has surged, mainly due to twentieth-century industrial activities. The bioaccumulation of HMs leads to various toxic effects on tissues and organs (Abd Elnabi et al., 2023; Oladejo et al., 2021). Two major environmental chemical disasters of the twentieth century, Minamata disease and the Donana mining catastrophe, were associated with the release of heavy metals into the environment (Ali & Khan, 2017). Heavy metals can become highly toxic when interacting with various environmental elements such as water, soil, and air (Mitra et al., 2022). Paints are major contributors to environmental heavy metal pollution, including lead, especially within residential settings (Ewers et al., 2011; Megertu & Bayissa, 2020; O’Connor et al., 2018). Figure 1 shows the principal pathway of heavy metals to man (Abd Elnabi et al., 2023).
Studies have shown that several heavy metals (HMs) can persist in the environment for extended periods. For instance, cadmium (Cd) can persist in soil for 75 to 380 years, mercury (Hg) for 500 to 1000 years, and copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) for 1000 to 3000 years (Wu et al., 2022). Excessive heavy metals in soil can upset the ecological balance and spread to other environmental compartments, including the atmosphere and water bodies. This poses risks to animals and humans through the food chain, inhalation, drinking water, and direct contact (Lu et al., 2015).
The heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) are common pollutants largely released from diverse industrial activities. Even though their atmospheric concentrations are low, they contribute to soil deposition and accumulation. These elements remain in the environment and can bioaccumulate within food chains. Lead exposure, in particular, is associated with various health hazards, including hypertension, anemia, and impaired reproductive, respiratory, nervous, and immune system functions. Children exposed to lead may suffer from a dose-dependent decrease in brain volume, resulting in lower academic performance and intelligence levels, with these effects potentially continuing into adulthood (Fatmi et al., 2017; Mazumdar et al., 2011). Lead poisoning can result in cognitive impairments, neurological issues, difficulties with focus, behavioral challenges, and excessive activity in infants.
Blood tests are used to evaluate blood lead levels (BLL) in children, which is a valuable technique for diagnosing lead exposure (Ladele et al., 2019; Naranjo et al., 2020). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2012), it is estimated that more than 800 million children have blood lead levels (BLLs) exceeding 5 µg/dL, which is considered a standard reference level. Nevertheless, the most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that no level of lead in blood is deemed safe (CDC, 2024).
South Africa is one of the few African countries that has tightened its regulations regarding lead in paints. Since 2009, the Hazardous Substances Act of South Africa has established a maximum permissible lead level (MPLL) of 600 ppm of lead in household paint. Figure 2 displays a map of African countries with and without lead paint regulations as of December 2021 (WHO, 2021). This regulatory action aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education) by ensuring that children are protected from lead exposure, which can have detrimental effects on their cognitive development and academic performance.
Additionally, cadmium exposure is associated with damage to the kidneys and bones, and it is classified as a possible human carcinogen, notably increasing the risk of lung cancer. While mercury is harmful in both its inorganic forms and elemental, it is particularly concerning in its organic compounds, such as methylmercury. Methylmercury accumulates in the food chain, especially in predatory fish from lakes and oceans, and represents a major pathway for human exposure (Abd Elnabi et al., 2023; Briffa et al., 2020; Jadaa & Mohammed, 2023; Kafayat Kehinde Lawal et al., 2021; Mahurpawar, 2015; Mitra et al., 2022).
This study assesses the lead and other heavy metals (HMs) content in South African paints using ICP-MS to understand their environmental impact and enhance future traceability. It innovatively uses lead isotopic ratios and REE patterns to create paint fingerprints, aiding traceability when necessary. Lead isotopic ratios can trace the sources of lead pollution in the environment, helping identify potential contamination sources and understand lead pathways. Additionally, examining the REE pattern normalized to chondrite values provides insights into environmental pollution origins. Comparing these patterns with known sources allows scientists to pinpoint pollution sources, aiding environmental protection (Moody et al., 2014). The research contributes to understanding the chemical composition of South African paints, highlighting their compliance with regulations and offering insights into environmental health. The findings enhance paint traceability efforts, ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental safety.