Civil society and the authorities set the objective of eliminating lead-containing paints in Moldova until 2020. “We make effort to reduce the impact of lead on health,” head of “EcoContact” Association Andrei Isac stated in a news conference at IPN.

The requirements to eliminate lead-based paints will be integrated into all the socioeconomic development areas of Moldova, especially in building, industry, education and other areas. Andrei Isac said legal acts that refer to the management of toxic waste and substances take effect in 2017.

“We want to eliminate the import and production of lead-containing paints in Moldova together with the coming into force of these acts. We should remove them for good, in accordance with the global goal to which 86 states subscribed. I’m glad that the Ministry of Environment joined in this initiative. We hope that until 2020 we will definitely get rid of lead-based paints in Moldova,” stated Andrei Isac.

Currently, the paint boxes not always show if they contain lead, even if the producers and importers are obliged to place warnings about the contained toxic substances and the possible consequences for health.

The head of “EcoContact” also said that the producers must promptly stop to use substances that contain lead in production. The companies that started to producer lead-free paint should certify their products through the agency of independent third parties. The consumers are also encouraged to choose only paints that do not contain lead, especially if they use them in the home, at school, in parks and playgrounds.

The public health centers, consumer organizations and other sides involved should support the elimination of content-based paints and carry out information activities and protect the children from exposure to lead by paint, dust, soil and other sources, said Andrei Isac.