Traditional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during curing and evaporation, contributing to ozone depletion, smog, and global warming. Public demand for safer alternatives is growing, pushing the industry toward eco-friendly options.
While some argue that VOC-free paints don’t perform as well, requiring more coats and lacking durability, the health risks associated with VOCs, such as dizziness and asthma, are driving innovation.
Latex paints, water-based with acrylic resin binders, offer a solution. They eliminate VOCs and provide washability and opacity. However, they are unsuitable for iron surfaces due to the risk of rust.
The term ‘Green Paints’ encompasses both the paint’s effects and the manufacturing process. Titanium Dioxide, a common whitening agent with high hiding power, is produced through processes that can release sulfuric acid into the sea.
Furthermore, Titanium Dioxide, when used as an exterior coating, reacts with sunlight, contributing to smog. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a possible carcinogen. Despite these concerns, it remains widely used.
Given the health and environmental impacts of traditional paints, eco-friendly alternatives are poised to revolutionize the industry and redefine our approach to painting.