Sept Newsletter 2009
Background on Paint:
Conventional paints are generally classified
into two categories: water-based (in which
the solvent is water) and oil-based (in which
the solvent is an organic liquid, usually
derived from petrochemicals). Oil-based paints
are sometimes referred to as solvent-based.
Paints consist of a resin or binder, pigments,
and a carrier. They also consist of solvents,
and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
that can cause smog, ozone depletion,
and indoor air quality problems with negative
health effects. These unhealthy ingredients release
gas into the air during the application and
curing of paints, and even after the paints
are dry.
Once paint is applied, the carrier evaporates
leaving behind a solid coating. In oil-based
paints the carrier is a solvent consisting of
VOCs. Titanium dioxide, a pigment used in
nearly all paint production, is manufactured
using a highly polluting and energy intensive
process. It reacts with sunlight to contribute to
smog when used in exterior application, and
poor indoor air quality when used in interior
application. Fungicides and preservatives
(collectively known as biocides) are added
to latex paints to combat mildew.
The danger of VOCs has resulted in government
regulations and consumer demand forcing
continuing changes in paintformulations. Newer
formulations contain more paint solids and less
solvent, and there is a shift away from oil-based
towaterborne or latex paints. Because they do
not use solvents as the primary carrier, latex
paints emit far fewer volatileorganic
compounds upon application. They also
do not require solvents for the cleaning of tools
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