Lead‐free anti‐corrosive paints

In quite a number of the American states strict regulations forbidding the use of leaded coating materials have been passed in recent years. As a matter of fact, there is nothing new about the fact that lead compounds are toxic. Centuries ago, sugar of lead (lead acetate) had been a well‐known “legacy powder” used by poisoners. Its sweet taste and slow effect made it particularly suitable for such purposes. Thus, in Germany, a law was passed as early as in 1887 prohibiting the use of leaded paints in packing material for foodstuffs and toys. In all civilized states ordinances exist which protect workers in contact with such paints from lead poisoning.