An immediate ban on hazardous lead-based paint is a must, urged speakers yesterday.

They also stressed the need for publishing a gazette notification for a standard of 90 ppm (parts per million) lead content in paint.

They were speaking at a policy dialogue organised by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) at its office in the capital, marking “International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week” from October 22 to October 28, said a press release.

Jahora Sikder, deputy director (chemical division), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution; Mahmood Hasan Khan, former director (AQM), Department of Environment; Syed Marghub Murshed, ESDO chairperson and former Secretary; Saidur Rahman Khan, senior assistant secretary and deputy programme manager of health economics unit under the health and family welfare ministry; and Dr Shahriar Hossain, ESDO secretary general, were present.