Lead was historically used in paint for many valid reasons. White lead (II) carbonate (CbCO3) and vivid yellow lead chromate (PbCrO4) were used as color pigments. Lead is also highly opaque, so a small amount can cover a large area. Other qualities lead offers to paint is water-resistance, durability, and washability. Also, because lead is corrosion resistant, flexible and crack-resistant, it lasts a long time. For these reasons, lead-based paint is still used for certain commercial and industrial applications (for bridges, ships, water towers, etc.).
Lead in paint used for child-occupied buildings (e.g. homes, schools, childcare facilities, etc.) was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1978.
