TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Architect and Urban Designer at KIND Architects, Adjie Negara, stated that every constructed space serves not only as a place for activities, but also as the foundation for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable living environment for the community. One critical aspect to be mindful of is the presence of lead in house paint. "The rapid pace of development and renovation activities makes the selection of building materials increasingly relevant in supporting long-term health at home, in the office, at schools, and in other facilities such as daycare," he said in a press release received by Tempo in mid-April 2026.
It is crucial to choose and use materials that are free from hazardous substances, such as lead, for walls, floors, pipes, and house paint. This is essential in creating an environment that supports the health and safety of its users, especially children who are more vulnerable to exposure to hazardous substances.
Adjie also emphasized the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of buildings and public facilities. "Over time, due to factors such as aging, weather, and intensity of use, the quality of building materials may deteriorate, for example, paint that peels or is damaged," he said.
This issue should not be taken lightly, especially if the paint contains lead. A layer of paint containing lead can degrade over time and produce dust that can potentially be inhaled or ingested, especially by vulnerable groups such as pregnant women or children who have a habit of putting their hands in their mouths.
Regular monitoring allows for the early detection of damage, so that repairs, such as repainting, can be carried out promptly. "It is imperative to use safe materials to maintain environmental quality and minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous substances," said Adjie.
Architects and developers are increasingly integrating principles of sustainability, safety, and the well-being of residents into building design strategies. "The selection of building materials that meet standards and are safe reflects professional responsibility and compliance with standards and regulations," he said.
The Dangers of Lead for Health
The National Surveillance Report found that 1 in 7 children in Indonesia has lead levels in the blood above 5 g/dL, based on monitoring in six provinces, namely South Sumatra, Lampung, Central Java, East Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara. Peeling paint is one of the risk factors for lead exposure at the household level. "Paint itself is not harmful. However, high lead levels can increase long-term health risks," said Chemistry Expert and Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Yuni Krisyuningsih Krisnandi.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be found in the environment and in materials used in daily life. "Lead is known as one of the heavy metals that is widely used in various industrial sectors due to its stable nature, ease of shaping, and resistance to corrosion," said Yuni.
Lead can enter the body accidentally through ingestion or inhalation. Once absorbed, lead enters the bloodstream and can be distributed to various organs, including bones, kidneys, and the nervous system. Lead exposure, even at low levels, can damage various organ systems.
"In children, lead exposure affects brain development, leading to decreased cognitive abilities, lower academic performance, reduced attention spans, and behavioral disorders," said Pediatric Specialist, Reza Fahlevi.
In adults, lead exposure is linked to kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, for pregnant women, lead exposure is a special concern as it can cross the placenta. "This can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight," said Reza.
Lead exposure generally does not occur suddenly in large amounts, but gradually in small, repetitive concentrations from various sources in the surrounding environment. For example, from household dust, fragments of old paint, contaminated soil, or certain materials in residential and public facilities. "Due to its cumulative nature, long-term exposure, even in low levels, can still impact the body's health," said Reza.
Regulations on Lead-Free Paint
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a lead content limit in paint of less than 90 ppm (parts per million). This reference is widely adopted globally as a standard. Indonesia itself has regulations to ensure the safety of building materials. The Indonesian National Standards (SNI) 8011:2014, along with its revision SNI 8011:2022, regulate solvent-based decorative paint and limit the content of hazardous substances, including lead. This standard aligns with widely recognized international safety references, although its current implementation is voluntary.
At the grassroots level, awareness of lead exposure in Indonesia still needs to be heightened. Based on a World Bank study (2023), 44.8 percent of the population lives in homes that use paint containing lead. This is usually found in decorative paint such as for iron and wood.
Globally, more and more countries, whether at the government, industry, or stakeholder levels, are adopting lead-free safety standards as part of efforts to create a healthier environment. "These standards are implemented through regulations that limit or prohibit the use of lead in paint, building materials, and products that could be used in residential and public facilities," said Yuni.
The implementation of lead-free standards is also accompanied by increased awareness of the importance of using safe materials, product quality supervision, and responsible building maintenance practices. Industry players also play a role in providing consumer education on certifications, safety standards, and the long-term value of safer building materials, so that awareness can be translated into tangible actions. Furthermore, collaboration between the government and industry players is crucial in promoting the broader application of standards to support the use of safer materials for the public.
Read: Lead Exposure in Jakarta Children's Playground Raise Concern
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