SLSI revises paint standards

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) will revise the current standards for paints to reconsider specifications for permissible maximum heavy metal contents based on safety aspects of the environment and the health of end users.

It has scrutinised relevant Indian and Singapore standards for enamel paints. SLSI Chairman Dr. A.R.L. Wijesekera told the Daily News that a Sectoral Committee which is currently engaged in the revision of the standards will soon recommend the maximum permissible limits for the lead contests of enamel paints.

Since the draft Sri Lanka standard for enamel paints (draft SLS 539: 2010) do not cover paints applied on toys and children’s accessories a new National Standard is being drafted for such paints.

Since concerns have been expressed by various sections of the public the SLSI is revising standards for both enamel and emulsion paints.