Quantitative determination of lead in household paints in the gambia and evaluation of potential childhood risks

Lead-based paints are a significant source of childhood lead exposure especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed total lead concentrations of household paints used in the Gambia. 46 paint samples (36 fresh commercial paints, and 10 dry paint scrapings from residential buildings) were analysed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry following hotplate acid digestion. Evaluation of the method indicated a high accuracy (99.33% recovery), adequate precision (CV = 0.77%, n = 5) and an excellent linearity (r 2 = 0.9989, p < 0.001). Lead concentrations ranged from 0 to 850 mg/kg in fresh paints and 2–7422 mg/kg in dry paint scrapings. 4 samples, including two oil-based cream-coloured commercial paints and 2 older wall paints from residential buildings, exceeded the internationally recommended maximum limit of 90 mg/kg. The presence of lead at concentrations up to 7422 mg/kg in older paints and 850 mg/kg in fresh paints indicates ongoing risk of lead exposure especially for children in older homes. These findings suggest a need to for enforcement of regulatory compliance, import monitoring, and public health interventions to eliminate lead-based paints in The Gambia.