Environmental impact of paint

[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.

The beneficial characteristics of low-VOC paints is to improve indoor air quality through little or no odor, less pollution, safer technology, as well as excellent durability and a washable finish.

These paints have contained organotin compounds such as tributyltin, which are considered to be toxic chemicals with negative effects on humans and the environment.

[4] Tributyltin compounds are moderately to highly persistent organic pollutants that bioconcentrate up the marine predators' food chain.

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 the food chain.

Lead is also added to paint to speed drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion.

Lead, a poisonous metal, can damage nerve connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders.

[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 wastewater generated during production has high levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD) because of all the substances used in the creation process.

[10] VOCs can cause people to experience eye irritation, breathing difficulties, kidney damage, and cancer.