Doctors in Liberia often cannot check whether lead causes a child ondition because hospitals and the EPA lack blood lead testing equipment. Without tests, the true level of exposure among children is unknown.
Concerns rose after the EPA, with support from the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP), found dangerous lead in both imported and local paints. Stakeholder talks began in 2019 and a technical group formed in 2021. In January 2025 the EPA and the National Public Health Institute signed Lead Paint Regulations that follow ECOWAS rules and set a limit for lead in residential paint, with three years for manufacturers to change.
But the regulation is not yet in the official gazette, so it has no legal force and inspectors cannot enforce the limits.
Difficult words
- exposure — contact with a harmful substance or condition
- regulation — official rule made by an authorityRegulations
- inspector — person who checks rules and safetyinspectors
- equipment — tools or machines needed for a job
- stakeholder — person or group with interest in a project
- enforce — make sure people follow a rule
- gazette — official public newspaper for laws and notices
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why are blood lead tests important for children?
- Do you think the regulation should be published in the official gazette now? Why or why not?
- What changes could paint manufacturers make to reduce lead in paint?
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