AN ANALYTICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE COMPOSITION AND HEALTH RISK OF SELECTED PAINT TYPES AND THEIR RAW MATERIALS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Lead (Pb) exposure remains a critical public health crisis, particularly for children in developing nations with weak regulatory enforcement. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the composition and associated health risk of selected paint types and their raw materials in commercially available and artisanally produced paints in Southwestern Nigeria. Forty samples (30 paints, 10 raw materials) from Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states were analyzed for lead content. Results revealed high lead levels in paints, with a mean concentration of 175.7 ± 61.8 ppm; 86.7% of samples exceeded the 90 ppm regulatory limit. Synthetic rubber paints had the highest mean lead level (217 ± 30 ppm), while emulsion paints had the lowest (43 ± 15 ppm). Crucially, raw materials were also significantly contaminated (mean 80 ± 31.3 ppm), with Calcium Carbonate (160 ppm), Nastrol (100 ppm), and Polyvinyl Acetate (80 ppm) identified as major contamination sources. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between paint types (ANOVA: F = 15.82, p < 0.001). An integrated epidemiological survey (n=300) found that 44.7% of children under 12 live with peeling paint and 28.3% exhibit pica. A one-way ANOVA on exposure frequency across age groups was significant (F=20.33, p=0.0021). This study concludes that non-compliant, lead-based paints are highly prevalent, driven by a contaminated raw material supply chain, and pose a severe public health risk. We recommend stringent enforcement of existing regulations, targeted public awareness campaigns, and a systemic shift towards lead-free paint production through cleaner raw materials.