Paint Screening to Eliminate Added Lead (Paint S.E.A.L.) Certification

Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) is launching the Paint S.E.A.L. - Paint Screening to Eliminate Added Lead environmental certification program to encourage the sale of paints that meet specific standards for lead content. The organization is working cooperatively with lead paint companies and other interested parties to develop certification criteria and a labeling program to recognize paints that meet specific standards for lead content.

Recent investigations in China, India, Nigeria and other countries have demonstrated that the majority of new residential paint sold in the world contains lead at levels exceeding U.S. Standards. Given this growing evidence of the extent of the problem throughout Asia, Africa, and in other regions, we are developing an international certification program to encourage the use of non-lead paints and to reward paint companies for removing lead from their products. Such certification would provide retailers and consumers confidence that certified products meet international standards with demonstrated third party testing.

Paint companies and their customers will benefit from a well designed certification program for non-lead paints and an easy to recognize eco-label. An eco-label is intended to better promote and market these safer products and to differentiate proactive companies from competitors that continue to sell lead-containing paints. Furthermore, a voluntary certification program can complement government regulation, enforcement, and surveillance efforts covering lead levels in paints.

Proposed Standard

Although national laws vary, the lowest regulatory limit for lead in paints is 90 parts per million (ppm) total lead. This is also the definition of lead paint adopted by the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead in Paints. Therefore, we are proposing this level as the criterion for Paint S.E.A.L. certification.

Certification

Certification would be awarded to paint companies based on a pledge to not make, distribute or sell any paints for the consumer market that exceed 90 ppm and whose products are tested by an independent third party verification scheme.

Third-Party Verification

Companies seeking to use the Eco-Label must provide samples of each paint product to an accredited analytical laboratory for testing. In addition, random sampling will be conducted by third parties on paints procured through retail and wholesale distribution networks (frequency to be determined). Participating companies will be required to provide lists of retail locations and trade names for their products.

Laboratory Test Method

Testing laboratories will employ the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Test Method CPSC-CH-E1003-09 “Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Lead (Pb) in Paint and Other Similar Surface Coatings” (April 26, 2009).

Laboratory Accreditation

Independent laboratories seeking to provide testing services will apply to Occupational Knowledge International for approval to offer sample collection and testing services. Laboratory approval will be site specific and shall be based on detailed criteria which recognize existing laboratory accreditation bodies and additional technical requirements to be outlined in the certification standard. Approved laboratories must have current accreditation from a national accreditation organization that is a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation-Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC-MRA).

Governance

OK International, an international non-governmental organization (NGO) with experience in environmental certification programs will manage the certification and eco-labeling program. The program shall be governed by a board with representatives from global alliance partners, paint manufacturers, NGOs, international organizations, and other experts. The governance shall conform to the International Accreditation and Labeling Alliance (ISEAL) Code of Good Practices and ISO 14020.

Eco-label

Paint companies meeting the standard will be eligible to place an eco-label on their products. Companies that wish to display the label will be required to enter into a license agreement and pay fees based on production volume. The program will be self-sustaining through initial application and ongoing licensing fees.

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