Ten U.S. chemical companies have been accused of making and selling lead paint though it has been banned since 1978. Marc Dann, attorney general of the state of Ohio, filed suit against 10 major U.S. chemical companies and paint makers, including Sherwin-Williams and DuPont, on Monday. Lead in the bloodstream can cause damage to the neurological system and learning abilities, especially in children. Lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978.

Dann accused the companies of making and selling lead paint even though they knew that it is harmful, and said they should be ruled in violation of the state's public nuisance law.

The other companies in the lawsuit are American Cyanamid Co., Armstrong Containers Inc., Conagra Grocery Products Co., Cytec Industries Inc., and Lyondell Chemical Co.