Jul. 15, 2009 (United Press International) -- Paint manufacturers cannot he held liable for poisoning cases involving lead paint pigments in paint products, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled.

The state's top court said in a 6-0 decision Tuesday the companies cannot face litigation for defectively designing paint products since lead is a characteristic ingredient to such products, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

"By definition, white lead carbonate pigment contains lead. Removing lead from white lead carbonate pigment would transform it into a different product," Justice Ann Walsh Bradley said in the court's decision.

The Wisconsin ruling comes as Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE:SHW) of Cleveland is facing litigation filed on behalf of a number of Wisconsin children ailing because they consumed lead particles.

Similar paint manufacturers such as Armstrong Containers, American Cynamid and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (NYSE:DD PRB) (NYSE:DD PRA) (NYSE:DD) are facing such lawsuits.

Attorney Peter Earle, who represents lawsuit plaintiffs in the matter, told the Plain Dealer the court's support of lower courts rulings means he must prove paint industry officials allegedly failed to notify the public of the possible risks of lead paint pigments.