Environmental Issues Associated with Paints and Varnishes Essay Example for Free

Environmental Issues Associated with Paints and Varnishes EssayThe paint and coatings manufacturing pains is one of the major chemical processing industries. The major environmental impacts of paints and varnishes be concerning their content of solvents and other chemicals. thither is a need to encourage manufacturers to enforce less of these substances, and to ensure straight-laced environmental management passim the manufacturing process. Procurement of paints and varnishes is classified as having a high environmental profile and some risk of create world supply chains.Summary of Life Cycle RecordRaw MaterialUse Raw materials admit solvents, pigments, dyes, and other chemicals. In addition, other raw materials are used to thin oil-establish paints and stains or to clean up the residues left-hand(a) behind, much(prenominal) as turpentine and mineral spirits. about paints contain petroleum-based by products of the oil industryThe principal(prenominal) uses of paints and varnishes are for architectural use (e.g. DIY), industrial use and automotive use. VOCs may be released during use.Some paints plenty emit noxious gases such as toluene and xylene, which are known carcinogens.ManufactureWaste Management/Disposal The main components of the manufacture process are synthesis in a reactor, filtration, bl finishing with other additives and boxPaint related forsake is often categorised as hazardous (special waste) due to its chemical content. Waste Management/Disposal options includeRecycling IncinerationKey Impacts and Priority Mitigation MeasuresThe key impacts in relation to paints and varnishes are Raw materials are often non-renewable and squeeze out be based on oil solvents Solvent release, more specifically releases of VOCs to the atmosphere, which feed to ground-level ozone, global warming and some have specific health effects. (There are more VOCs in coloring than emulsion) Dyes and other chemicals used can also be harmful to health an d the environment. Wastewater and other solutions from wash drawing of brushes and other application devices might contain these pollutants. Energy is used during the processing stages.Packaging materials are liable(predicate) to contain traces of product / solvent residues, which can lead to direct release to the environment through evaporation. Some paints can emit noxious gases such as toluene and xylene, which are known carcinogens. In 1989 the area Health Organisations International Agency for Research on Cancer found that schoolmaster painters and decorators face a 40% increased chance of contracting cancer. Paint waste at end of life is classed as a hazardous (special) waste.Control Measures Raw Materials and Manufacture Implement a organise and independently verified Environmental Management System (EMS) such as ISO 14001 or EMAS. This will dish out the company use resources efficiently and prevent or minimise pollution. get a line systems are in sic to control loss and wastage of toxic ingredients, in limited solvent management plans. Avoidance of the use of dumb metals such as cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury and arsenic and other substances where possible. Where possible replace toxic and persistent ingredients such as oil, solvents, chemicals and other hazardous substances with less toxic and more degradable ones. Particularly focus on displace solvent alternatives where possible.Control Measures Procurement Action Ensure suppliers selected have a high awareness of the strength environmental impacts and are taking the appropriate mitigation measures. Encourage suppliers to develop environmentally safer products and in particular minimise the use of solvents and other chemicals and minimise waste during processing. Avoid oil or solvent based paints where feasible.Be aware that some water thinnable paints contain more chemicals than the oil-based paints they are intended to replace. Select suppliers that can provide more info rmation regarding the specific raw materials they use, and also provide guidance on environmentally safe use and disposal (including packaging). To avoid wasteful use of paints and varnishes ensure the purchase of only the tot required for the job. Where feasible, select a supplier that will allow the return of toxic material packaging for reuse.Control Measures Use and Waste Management/Disposal Ensure employees are trained in actions to be taken in relation to waste minimisation, waste management and health and safety Ensure proper labelling and storage of toxic and hazardous materials in secure, bunded areas. Ensure user is trained in instructions for use including wearing of protective equipment such as facemasks, storage conditions (e.g. placing lids on containers when not in use) and cleaning of tools. Ensure adequate ventilation during application.Disclaimer This document is based on publicly available information and provides expound of the environmental impacts associated with paints and varnishes. It contains a description of most commonly used raw materials and the environmental impacts and by-products released. It should be famous that there might be some other commodity types and manufacturing processes not covered within this document.