Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
organic solvent or in water. Synthetic resin products are based on fossil raw
materials with the exception of some linseed oil in alkyde oil. Their production
uses a lot of energy and causes a high degree of pollution.
Products containing solvents, epoxide and isocyanates create a very bad work-
ing environment for painters. In buildings, they cause problems for the indoor
climate. In many solvent-based products, the solvents can be emitted up to six
months after application. Water-based paints contain volatile additives which
can be released over an even longer period, e.g. softeners. Many products emit
excess monomers, quite independent of the solvent.
Plastic-based paints and varnishes are able to induce considerable electrostat-
ic charging, especially if they are used on floors.
Waste paint should normally be deposited at special tips, even if the pig-
ments are inert. Painted products have little re-use value and normally have no
recycling value. Flammable material can be energy recycled in incinerators
with filters.
Epoxide
Epoxide is one of the most infamous materials known for causing allergies. At
workplaces where people are exposed to epoxide, up to 80 per cent of the work
force developed epoxide eczema. Epoxide products also contain alkylphenols
and bisphenol A compounds which are suspected environmental oestrogens.
Epichlorohydrin, another constituent of the mixture, is registered as carcinogenic
and allergenic. It is soluble in water and in low concentrations has a poisonous
and corrosive effect on water organisms. Ready-cured epoxide paint is probably
chemically stable, although a certain amount of solvent is emitted at first. Certain
makes of epoxide can also emit phenols during application, which can quickly
lead to bad skin irritation.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane products contain isocyanate which can easily cause skin allergies
and asthma. High sensitivity causing damage to the mucous membranes can
develop, and asthma attacks can occur independent of the level of exposure. The
most exposed places are industrial and building sites, but unreacted residues can
also be released within buildings.
Acrylate
Thermoplastic acrylate paint can emit excess monomers of butyl methacrylate in
a completed building. This can cause frequent sensitivity reactions and allergies.
Alkyde oil
Alkyde oil is a chemical compound between linseed oil and a polymer, usually
glycerole or phthalic acid. This type of paint came into widespread use during
