Theenvironmental impact of paint can vary depending on the type ofpaint used and mitigation measures. Traditionalpainting materials and processes can have harmful effects on theenvironment, including those from the use oflead and other additives. Measures can be taken to reduce its environmental effects, including accurately estimating paint quantities so waste is minimized, and use of environmentally preferred paints, coating, painting accessories, and techniques.
TheUnited States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines andGreen Star standards can be applied.[not verified in body]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted by various solids or liquids, many of which have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Solvents in traditional paints often contain high quantities of VOCs. The beneficial characteristics of low-VOC paints is to improveindoor air quality through little or no odor, less pollution, safer technology, as well as excellent durability and a washable finish. Low-VOC paint types includelatex (water-based),acrylic, andmilk paint, with most relatively easy torecycle.[1][2]
The labels of paint cans can be checked for the following information:
In the US, items containing toxic ingredients have registration numbers with either the:
Antifouling paint (or bottom paint) is used to protect the hulls of boats fromfouling by marine organisms. Antifouling paint protects the surface from corrosion and prevents drag on the ship from any build-up of marine organisms. These paints have containedorganotin compounds such astributyltin, which are considered to be toxic chemicals with negative effects on humans and theenvironment.[4] Tributyltin compounds are moderately to highlypersistent organic pollutants that bioconcentrate up the marine predators' food chain. One common example is it leaching from marine paints into the aquatic environment, causing irreversible damage to the aquatic life. Tributyltin has also been linked to obesity in humans, as it triggers genes that cause the growth of fat cells.[5][medical citation needed]
Tributyltin is harmful to some marine organisms, including thedog whelk, it causes dog whelks to suffer fromimposex; females develop male sexual characteristics such as a penis.[6] This causes them to become infertile or even die. In severe cases, males can develop egg sacs.
Alternatives includebiomimetic antifouling coatings.
Heavy metals are used in paints and have raised concerns due to their toxicity at high levels of exposure and since they build up in thefood chain.
Lead paint containslead as pigment. Lead is also added to paint to speed drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion. Although banned in many countries, paint with significant lead content is still used in areas such as Eastern Europe and Asia, most commonly for industry purposes like anti-corrosive paint.[7] For example, leaded paint is sometimes used to paint roadways and parking lot lines. Lead, a poisonous metal, can damage nerve connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Because of lead's low reactivity and solubility,lead poisoning usually only occurs in cases when it is dispersed, such as when sanding lead-based paint prior to repainting.
Primer paint containinghexavalent chromium is still widely used foraerospace andautomobile refinishing applications.[citation needed]Zinc chromate has been used as a pigment for artists' paint, known aszinc yellow or yellow 36. It is highly toxic and now rarely used.[citation needed]
Production of gas leads to three main forms of pollution and waste: solid, liquid and gas.[8]
The process of creating paint consumes a large amount of water and chemicals which leads to the production of large amounts of wastewater.[9] Roughly 70% of the wastewater produced by the paint manufacturing industry is released into natural bodies of water which causes the destination to be polluted.[9] The industry generates between 75 and 85 million gallons of wastewater per day.[9] The wastewater generated during production has high levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD) because of all the substances used in the creation process.[9][8]
The paint manufacturing process produces solid waste.[8] Most of the solid waste generated is formed in the dispersion, filing, and fluid transport stages of paint production.[8] Examples of solid waste that is formed during production includeadhesives,plastic, andresins.[8]
Hazardous gases are released during the creation and use of paint and can be harmful to people.[10]
Total suspended particulate matter (TSPM or TSP) is one of these pollutants.[8] TheWorld Health Organization has determined that exposure to total suspended particulate matter can lead toacute respiratory infection,asthma,emphysema,lung cancer,cardiovascular disease, andchronic obstructive lung disease to people working with it.[11]
The volatile organic compounds emitted can potentially turn into hazardous air pollutants.[10] VOCs can cause people to experience eye irritation,breathing difficulties,kidney damage, andcancer.[10] VOCs can negatively affect the environment by pollutinggroundwater and drinking water.[10]
As a response to the environmental and health concerns, some paint manufacturers now offerenvironmentally friendly alternatives. Also, in some countries,paint recycling is carried out on surplus paints and resold.
Paint and coating manufacturers can modify their operations to reduce and mitigate air pollution.[12] The first step manufacturers can take to reduce air pollution is to eliminate the use of heavy metals in coating mixtures and reformulate coatings to be non-hazardous.[12] In place of heavy metals, non-hazardous biocides can be used to kill bacteria.[12] Manufacturers can also reduce emissions during the creation process by covering materials and tanks to reduce spills and leakage during the blending, mixing, and packaging of the paint.[12] Paint manufacturers can also start recycling paint; recycling paint allows new paint to be created with less emission.[12]
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