Heavy Metals in Toys : Toxics Link did a research study on heavy metals content in Toys and found high concentration of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. The report “Toying with Toxics” was well received by the media and was discussed in the Indian Parliament. Based on the report findings, even the Government of India put a temporary ban on the import of toys. The interventions led to the stringent heavy metals standard for toys in India. Toxics Link also has developed a film on the issue for wider dissemination of information and awareness creation.
Lead in Paints : Lead is a well known neurotoxin and an ingredient in paints. Most of the countries across the world have phased out lead from the paints. However, in India, hardly any attention was being paid to the issue.
Toxics Link did the first study in 2007 titled “A Brush with Toxics” found high content of lead in Indian decorative paints. The report drew attention and discussion from various stakeholders across the country. After a series of reports by Toxics Link, some of the major paint manufacturers voluntarily lowered the lead contents in paints. Toxics Link also helped the other neighboring countries to initiate similar study in their countries. The impact of the study followed by report release was felt in many of these countries. Following the report release and campaigning, Sri Lanka, on 1 January, 2013, came up with the mandatory standard for lead content in decorative paints. In another development, lead in paints has been recognized as the emerging issues in the Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management (SAICM).
Lead in Jewellery : In 2010, Toxics Link published an investigative study on imitation jewellery that showcased high amount of lead content in over 60 per cent of the samples. About 54 samples of rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings were collected and tested.
Mercury in CFL : Mercury is a known neurotoxin and its health impact is well known. It is an important ingredient in CFL bulbs. As India is pushing for more energy saving policies, the CFL is the best suitable options available at this point of time. However there are huge gaps on the management of CFLs at both upstream and downstream levels. Toxics Link did the research study and found high content of mercury in CFLs in most the major brands which are being sold in Indian market. Toxics Link took up the issue with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) which is now in the process of setting stringent standards of mercury content in CFLs. A meeting with CPCB was also organized on the issue to find better solutions for management of CFLs at both the upstream and downstream level.