User:Cmansourian/Environmental effects of paint

Liquid
The process of creating paint consumes a large amount of water and chemicals which leads to the production of large amounts of wastewater. 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. The industry generates between 75 and 85 million gallons of wastewater per day. The wastewater generated during production has high levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD) because of all the substances used in the creation process.

Solid
The paint manufacturing process produces solid waste. Most of the solid waste generated is formed in the dispersion, filing, and fluid transport stages of paint production. Examples of solid waste that is formed during production include adhesives, plastic, and resins.

Gas
Hazardous gases are released during the creation and use of paint and can be harmful to people.

Total suspended particulate matter (TSPM or TSP) is one of these pollutants. The World Health Organization has determined that exposure to total suspended particulate matter can lead to acute respiratory infection, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive lung disease to people working with it.

The volatile organic compounds emitted can potentially turn into hazardous air pollutants. VOCs can cause people to experience eye irritation, breathing difficulties, kidney damage, and cancer. VOCs can negatively affect the environment by polluting groundwater and drinking water.

Mitigation
Paint and coating manufacturers can modify their operations to reduce and mitigate air pollution. The first step manufacturers can take to reduce air pollution is to eliminate the use of heavy metals in coating mixtures and reformulate coatings to be non-hazardous. In place of heavy metals, non-hazardous biocides can be used to kill bacteria. Manufacturers can also reduce emissions during the creation process by covering materials and tanks to reduce spills and leakage during the blending, mixing, and packaging of the paint. Paint manufacturers can also start recycling paint; recycling paint allows new paint to be created with less emission.