There are warning labels on cigarette packs, alcohol containers and now paint cans. The National Paint and Coating Association has agreed to put labels on new paint cans to warn about the dangers of lead in old paint. Bob Brammer, a spokesman for Iowa’s Attorney General, says lead hasn’t been used in paint since 1978. But Brammer says it can be a problem from someone who’s into home improvement.He says you could release led dust if you scrape or sand old paint, and he says the lead dust is most harmful to children and pregnant women. Brammer says some companies already have the lead warnings on their paint cans, and this agreement will ensure that a majority of all manufacturers have the labels. He says it’ll be something you’ll notice. He says it’ll be a significant label on the paper paint label on the can, and another sticker with a warning on the top of the can. Brammer doesn’t expect the increased labeling to increase the cost of the paint.He says it’s just a matter of communicating the message, and he says the companies are going to do some other voluntary things, like printing brochures and holding training classes on the dangers of lead paint.

Radio Iowa