Management of lead in paint in selected Asian and Pacific Countries

This document examines the management of lead in paint across selected Asian and Pacific countries, highlighting the health risks of lead exposure, particularly for children, and the continued presence of lead-based paints in developing nations. It details national regulations, standards, and enforcement gaps, with specific focus on China’s regulatory progress and Sri Lanka’s transition to mandatory lead limits. The report identifies inconsistent legislation, weak enforcement, and limited awareness as major challenges, and recommends stronger legal instruments, regional standard harmonization, monitoring programs, labeling requirements, and incentives to support the phase-out of lead-containing paints.