International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: Tunisian Consumer Information Organization Sounds the Alarm
On the occasion of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, celebrated from October 19 to 25, 2025, under the slogan "No level is safe: let's act now to end lead exposure," the Tunisian Consumer Information Organization (OTIC) is warning about the urgent need to protect public health, particularly that of children and pregnant women, from the persistent dangers of lead in domestic paints.
The organization is expressing its deep indignation at the repeated delays that have prevented the publication of the draft decree by the Ministry of Environment, which has been in the works for over three years. This decree aims to limit the presence of lead in paints and sets maximum thresholds for lead and cadmium in paints manufactured, imported, or distributed in Tunisia. It also provides for clear labeling in Arabic, mentioning the chemical composition and rates of toxic substances, in order to inform consumers.
Since 2013, analyses conducted by civil society have highlighted the extent of the problem: out of 30 samples of domestic paints tested, only two were lead-free, while the others showed alarming rates exceeding 170,000 parts per million, whereas the international standard does not allow more than 90 parts per million.
Despite these worrying results, pressure from certain industry lobbies has led to the suspension of the decree, delaying an essential measure for public health.
In the face of this situation, which is deemed unacceptable, the Tunisian Consumer Information Organization is calling on the President of the Republic to intervene immediately to order the implementation of the decree, reducing the entry into force period from 12 to 3 months after its publication in the Official Journal. The organization is also urging the authorities to impose immediate and explicit labeling on all paints containing lead, in order to guarantee the consumer's right to health, information, and a safe environment.
The OTIC is emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect the health of Tunisian citizens, particularly the most vulnerable populations, and to ensure that their right to a safe and healthy environment is respected. The organization is committed to continuing its efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of lead in domestic paints and to advocate for the adoption of effective measures to prevent lead poisoning.
