Playgrounds could be painted with 'dangerous' levels of lead

Toxic paint is 'completely avoidable', according to leading researcher

The highest levels of lead were found in red and yellow paint (Rex)

Poisonous chemical lead has been found in paint decorating British playgrounds.

Research by scientists at Plymouth University tested the paint of playground fixtures in 50 parks in south west England.

It found the paint used on many contained much more than the 0.25% of lead recommended by European guidelines, with red or yellow tending to have the highest concentrations.

One park in Plymouth built in 2009 was found to have paint using 10% lead.

Dr Andrew Turner, who conducted the study, said the levels were "completely avoidable."

"You'd expect the older playgrounds to be more dangerous as people have become more aware of the dangers of lead, but our findings suggest that this isn't the case," he told the BBC.

The research, which also found evidence of other dangerous chemicals like cadmium in playground paint, was carried out in Cornwall, Devon, Hampshire and Somerset. Dr Turner said he expected the results would be similar across the country.

Parents have been warned to be vigilant and ensure children are washing their hands after using playground equipment.

"Some children tend to experience the world through putting things in their mouth so parents have to be on the lookout for that too," Dr Turner said.

The World Health Organisation says there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe.

Experts say lead poisoning can have serious implications for child health.