Chemical name: Sulfuric acid, lead salt, sulphuric acid, lead salt

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

Shall not be used as substances and a constituent of preparations intended for use as paints, except for the restoration and maintenance of works of art and historic buildings and their interiors, where Member States wish to permit this on their territory, in accordance with the provisions of ILO Convention 130 on the use of white lead and sulphates of lead in paint.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

All other uses not listed above.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Shall not be used as substances and a constituent of preparations intended for use as paints, except for the restoration and maintenance of works of art and historic buildings and their interior, where Member States wish to permit this on their territory, in accordance with the provisions of ILO Convention 13 on the use of white lead and sulphates of lead in paint.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Lead is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system, and mainly deposited in the skeleton. Levels of lead in the blood corresponding to 1.5 umole/l may give slight damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Foetuses and breast-feeding babies are particularly sensitive. Lead contents of 0.5 - 0.75 umole/l blood in the mother, may give nerve damage in the foetus. Levels of 2 umole/l in men may disturb the sperm production.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in plants and mammals. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter the environment because it persists in the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001