Despite some of the samples being less that ten years old, the scientists found chemicals present with up to 40 times the recommended concentrations. In particular, high levels of chromium, antimony and cadmium were identified.
Current guidelines in the UK direct that new paint should be lead-free or contain less than 2,500 parts per million. However, the new research revealed that in some cases, levels of uo to 152,000 parts per million of lead were detected and were mostly present in yellow and red paints.
Dr Andrew Turner, reader in Environmental Science at Plymouth University, said: “While undisturbed and intact, coatings and their chemical components are relatively safe. But once the film begins to deteriorate through abrasion or via exposure to UV light and moisture, the paint begins to crack, flake and chalk and metal-bearing particulates are mobilised into the environment.
“The effects of lead on human health, including those that impact on the neurological development of children, are well-documented with regard to paint exposure in urban and domestic settings.’
Turner also warned that the results of this research would probably be replicated across the UK.
He added: “It is difficult to attribute poisoning directly to paint on playground equipment because the effects of lead are cumulative and children may be exposed to a multitude of sources of lead in domestic and urban settings.
“But previous studies around elevated lead in blood levels and the ingestion of paint chips have strongly suggested that paint is the source of intoxication.”
Following last week's local elections, the political proportionality of the Local Government Association (LGA) has been confirmed.
A £25 million road refurbishment programme is set to begin, funding 22 projects across Wales’ strategic road network.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is to announce that City Hall is considering releasing part of London’s green belt to enable development.
The Welsh government have announced a £31.5 million boost for nine local authorities to help deliver projects such as Y Storfa in Swansea, the Queen’s Market in Rhyl and the demolition of Newport Leisure Centre.
A new coalition made up of City Hall, Government, local councils, the London Fire Brigade and regulatory bodies will lead vital work to end London&
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We’re an industry-leading trade supplier of quality outdoor and indoor furniture, offering unrivalled care and service for our customers. LeisureBench was established in 2001, and we have grown into one of the country’s leading suppliers of outdoor products.
Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.
Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.
In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?
At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d
Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.
This year's Safety & Security Event Series drew a crowd of 56,115 professionals to Birmingham's NEC
For those involved in debt recovery, supporting engagement is critical, not just to resolve outstanding debts, but to protect vulnerable citizens, improve financial resilience, and uphold trust in public services. In this article, the CSA's head of policy, Daniel Spenceley explores why overcoming disengagement is so crucial, what barriers remain, and how collective action, including better financial education and tackling online misinformation, can create a more supportive environment for those in financial difficulty.
