Lead is an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal. But its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world.

Some paints contain high level of lead as some paint manufacturers intentionally add one or more leaded compounds to the paint for specific purposes. The leaded compounds most commonly added to paints are pigments. Pigments are used to give the paint its colour, make paint opaque and protect the paint and underlying surface from degradation caused by exposure to sunlight.

Exposure to lead occurs when lead-containing paint on walls, windows, doors or other painted surfaces begin to chip or deteriorate which cause the lead to be released to the environment, often as dust.

The presence in the body can lead to toxic effects, regardless of age, gender, or exposure pathway.

Lead can affect the endocrine system which is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. In essence, hormones serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout the body. Hormones tell your body how to breathe, grow, drink, and eat.

Lead is able to inhibit or mimic the human body into thinking that they are hormones, or it blocks natural hormones from doing their job. As such lead has been recognized as an Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).

EDCs can disrupt many different hormones, which is why they have been linked to numerous adverse human health outcomes including alterations in sperm quality and fertility, abnormalities in sex organs, endometriosis, early puberty, altered nervous system function, immune function, certain cancers, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth, neurological and learning disabilities.