The banning of white lead: French and American experiences in a comparative perspective (early twentieth century)

Abstract

Since the early nineteenth century, white lead has been identified as a harmful agent responsible for creating toxicity affecting workers in plants and painting sites. Its use nevertheless increased dramatically in major industrialised countries, making lead poisoning one of the most widespread occupational diseases. This article aims to examine and compare the stakeholders, the processes and chronological trends through two historical experiences (France and the United States) on the issue of occupational lead poisoning in the paint industry in the early twentieth century. It emphasises two different national approaches to achieving the same goal: reducing – and eventually eliminating – the use of lead paint during the inter-war period. Investigating decision makers at different levels, the article seeks to explain the limited public awareness and public participation in the debate on occupational diseases, in order to assess the disclosure and process of giving up white-lead paint in both countries.