Assessing heavy metals and developing a fingerprint for Mahikeng paints using ICP-MS analysis: implications for environmental health

Despite global efforts to mitigate lead in paints, studies reveal persisting lead levels above safety thresholds in household paints in many nations. Alongside lead, other heavy metals (HMs) in paints pose health risks. The study aims to assess lead content and heavy metals levels, and develop a fingerprint for paints in Mahikeng, the capital of North West Province, South Africa, using ICP-MS analysis. We purchased and analyzed 30 paint samples from Mahikeng. The most prominent and nontoxic elements detected are Nitrogen (N), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Carbon (C), Aluminum (Al), and Phosphorus (P). Lead concentrations ranged from 0 ppm to 4.17 ppm, below South Africa's 600 ppm MPLL. Other HMs detected included Beryllium (Be), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Antimony (Sb), Mercury (Hg), as well as radionuclides Barium (Ba), Strontium (Sr), Thorium (Th), and Uranium (U). Their concentrations range from 0 ppm to 810.57 ppm, with most elements found at relatively low levels. The obtained Pb isotopic ratios and rare earth elements (REE) patterns were used to develop a fingerprint. These findings offer insights into the environmental health implications of lead and heavy metals contamination by the paints, as well as the identification of their sources. This research contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting responsible consumption and production practices, enhancing quality education on environmental health, and supporting good health and well-being through the reduction of hazardous exposures.