India publishes a draft of a revised standard for coatings and enamels

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is holding a consultation process until May 11 on a proposed amended standard for ready-mixed paint, air drying, and red oxide-zinc chrome priming, which would extend lead content limitations in place for domestic purposes to the industrial sector. Lead, lead compounds, and lead combinations would be limited to no more than 90 parts per million (ppm).

This is currently set at 1,000ppm for industrial use and 90ppm for domestic use. To eliminate consumer confusion and raise attention to the health and safety risks linked with lead, a BIS technical committee has proposed a "unified single allowable level."

The draft establishes material standards, as well as the sampling and testing techniques. It is used "as a primer in the enamel painting system for metal surfaces and also to keep steelwork in good shape for home and decorative purposes, as well as in coastal and inland outdoor environments." says the BIS. If approved, Indian Standard (IS) 2074 for ready-mixed paint, air drying, red oxide – zinc chrome, priming – specification' will be revised for the fourth time. In addition, the draught suggests quantities for substances utilised in its production, such as:

• Minimum zinc chrome content of 16 percent by mass, 6.88 percent by mass chromic anhydride content, and zinc oxide content of 5.84 percent by mass;
• minimum synthetic red oxide or natural red oxide content of 50% by mass.

The official draft document can be accessed here