Which material is often used in toxic artist paints and has raised health concerns?

Lead white is a pigment that has been widely used in artist paints for its beautiful, opaque finish and high covering power. However, it is made from lead, a heavy metal that poses significant health risks when ingested or inhaled. Prolonged exposure to lead can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage, especially in children, as well as kidney and reproductive problems in adults. Because of these health concerns, the use of lead white has been severely restricted in many countries, and artists are encouraged to use safer alternatives.

On the other hand, calcium carbonate, charcoal black, and sodium bicarbonate are generally considered to have much lower toxicity risks compared to lead white. Calcium carbonate is a common filler in paints, charcoal black is a popular pigment made from carbon, and sodium bicarbonate is primarily used as a pH balancer or in other non-toxic applications. Thus, while these materials have their own uses and potential health considerations, they do not carry the same level of concern that lead white does when it comes to toxicity in artist paints.