Environmental and health risks associated with concentrations of metals in paint chips in Brazil

ABSTRACT The presence of heavy metals in architectural paints poses a significant concern for environmental and occupational health. Research on the environmental and health risks of exposure to paint chips remains limited. In Brazil, no studies have examined the composition of paint chips from residential buildings and construction sites or their associated risks. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of potentially hazardous metals in paint chips from renovation and demolition works in Brazil and identify the environmental and health risks to construction workers exposed to these metals. A total of 15 samples of household paint chips were collected and characterized by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were calculated according to the methodology of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and considering workers’ exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Among the collected samples, one sample showed a lead concentration exceeding 600 mg/kg and two others had concentrations above 90 mg/kg. All samples contained cadmium at concentrations below 100 mg/kg. However, an outlier for lead was observed with hazard indices (HIs) above 1, indicating a potential health risk to workers. The study highlights a need for awareness of the risks associated with heavy metals in paint chips and the implementation of safety practices in the construction sector. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, specific clothing, and masks, is recommended for reducing exposure to these hazardous metals, along with measures to prevent the dispersion of these chips and to ensure environmentally appropriate disposal.