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Article History

Received: 4 February 2025

Accepted: 15 September 2025

First Online: 20 September 2025

Declarations

:

: The study was approved by the National Committee on Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in the Framework of Guidelines for Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities in Malawi. Reference No: NCST/RTT/2/6 []. All the experiments were performed in accordance with the guidelines and regulations. Authorisation to conduct the study was sought from the Chief Education Officers of the respective education districts before collecting paint flake samples. The study prioritised the safety of the researcher and the community by using proper protective measures to prevent exposure to hazardous materials during sample collection and analysis. Informed consent was obtained when collecting samples from private companies, and participation was strictly voluntary. Participants were provided with information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained (no names of the companies or any form of identification were recorded). Informed consent forms were provided to all participants for signing before participating in the study. Signed informed consent forms may be made available upon request.

: All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript and consent to its publication in Discover Environment.

: The authors declare no competing interests.