Scientific discovery that lead could be absorbed into the body through inhalation of dust or ingestion of lead-contaminated soil or paint chips.

Lead poisoning, particularly affecting children, became a significant health concern, causing neurological damage, developmental issues, and learning disabilities.

It is not hard to find, however, that lead is added to many painting paints. Why do manufacturers add lead, a heavy metal, to pigments? What is its function?

The practice of incorporating lead into paint dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its usage found in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Lead-based pigments offered a wide array of colors and became particularly prevalent in artistic expressions, from wall paintings to illuminated manuscripts. Lead-based pigments, including lead white (lead carbonate) and lead yellow (lead chromate), offered several advantages that made them popular choices for artists. These pigments possessed exceptional covering power, allowing artists to create opaque and vibrant colors on various surfaces.

Lead white, in particular, was highly favored due to its brilliance, color stability, and ability to create subtle tonal variations. Lead-based paints tended to dry quickly, enabling artists to layer colors and work with a variety of techniques efficiently. The texture of lead-based paints could be manipulated, allowing artists to create smooth and fine brushstrokes or impasto effects by adding more lead pigments to the paint mixture. This versatility in texture contributed to the expressive possibilities available to artists.

Another notable advantage of lead-based paints was their durability and resistance to fading. These paints formed strong bonds with surfaces, ensuring long-lasting adhesion and resistance to moisture and atmospheric agents. Beyond artistic applications, lead-based paints found practical uses in architecture and construction. The addition of lead pigments enhanced the durability and weather resistance of exterior coatings, protecting buildings from the elements. Furthermore, the toxic nature of lead was exploited for its insecticidal properties, making it useful in preserving wood surfaces and warding off pests.

Although lead-based paints offered numerous advantages, concerns regarding their toxicity gradually emerged. Many countries gradually phased out the use of lead in paint, enforcing stricter regulations and standards. The push towards lead-free alternatives gained momentum, emphasizing the importance of public health and safety. The transition from lead-based paints to safer alternatives, such as water-based acrylics and pigments, became the norm in the modern painting industry.

These alternatives offer comparable color options and technical qualities without compromising the health and safety of artists, as well as consumers who may be exposed to painted surfaces. Intact lead paint does not pose a hazard. It is only when this lead paint is damaged (e.g., flaking, or rubbing off) that the lead dust it produces can cause damage to people's bodies. Nevertheless, the use of paint containing lead is still not recommended, especially for children.