EPA To Enforce Regulations To Combat Lead Poisoning
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sierra Leone has announced plans to commence enforcement of the newly developed Lead in Paints Regulations in March 2026 to curb the dangers of lead poisoning in the country.
The announcement was made during a national workshop organized by the EPA on Wednesday 22nd October, 2026 at Family Kingdom Resort, Aberdeen in Freetown to commemorate International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week under the theme “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure.”
The event brought together representatives from government institutions, manufacturers, importers, school pupils and health professionals to raise awareness about the harmful effects of lead and promote compliance with safer standards.
Delivering his presentation, Gibrilla Kamara, Esq., from EPA Sierra Leone, said lead is a dangerous substance commonly found in paint and other products, and poses serious risks to human health. He explained that the new regulation seeks to protect the public by setting strict limits on lead content in paints and related materials.
He cited Section 5(2)(b) and Section 16 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which guarantee the protection of life and health, and Section 77(2)(d) of the EPA Act 2022, which empowers the Minister to make regulations controlling the use of hazardous substances, including lead in paints. According to Kamara, the regulations will apply to manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, and retailers. They will be required to sign a Declaration of Conformity to show compliance with the prescribed limits. The EPA will also establish testing laboratories to verify lead levels using approved standard methods.
He further warned that any person who manufactures, sells, distributes, or imports paint above the prescribed limit or who obstructs inspections commits an offence. Offenders could face fines starting from Le 25,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years, or both. Citizens will also have the right to bring legal action to enforce the regulations. Kamara encouraged stakeholders to take the lead in sensitizing the public, noting that the EPA is determined to eliminate lead exposure nationwide. He concluded that the EPA will commence enforcement of the new regulations in March 2026.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead is a highly toxic metal that affects nearly every organ in the body, particularly the brain and nervous system. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even low levels can cause irreversible damage. In children, lead poisoning can result in learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ. In adults, it can lead to high blood pressure, kidney disease, and reproductive complications. Pregnant women exposed to lead face increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Lead exposure is preventable through strict regulation, education, and safer manufacturing practices.
The Environment Protection Agency Act 2022 has strengthened the EPA’s authority to regulate environmental pollution, enforce compliance, and promote public health. The agency has since launched initiatives to manage hazardous chemicals and improve environmental governance. Under its 2024–2030 Transformation Strategy, the EPA is working to modernize monitoring systems, expand laboratory capacity, and enhance coordination among ministries. The lead regulation forms part of this broader effort to align Sierra Leone’s environmental standards with international best practices.
Dr. Doris Bah, Director of Environment and Climate Health at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the devastating health impact of lead poisoning. She called on participants to spread the message nationwide, noting that awareness is key to prevention.
Representing the Ministry of Trade, Alfred Moseray reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to formulating supportive policies and monitoring importers and manufacturers to ensure full compliance with the EPA’s new rules.
A representative from a local latex paint manufacturer expressed support for the EPA’s initiative, assuring the public that their company already uses non lead based chemicals. He welcomed regular inspections to confirm compliance.
Paul M. Timmy, Esq., Public Relations Officer of the Importers Association, commended all partners for their contributions to the new law. He urged the installation of testing machines at the country’s ports and called for random product testing at sales outlets to ensure that imported paints are lead free.
Mohamed Osman Bah, representing the Standards Bureau, revealed that the Bureau has already developed and published 16 national standards for paints. He said these standards supersede foreign ones and have been communicated to international manufacturers to ensure that imported paints meet Sierra Leone’s safety requirements.
As Sierra Leone joins the global effort to eliminate lead exposure, the EPA’s leadership in implementing the Lead in Paints Regulations 2025 marks a major step toward a healthier and safer environment. Public education, industry cooperation, and strict enforcement will be crucial to ensure compliance and to protect the next generation from the devastating effects of lead poisoning.
