Beyond VOCs: A New Generation of Paints
Part 1: Paints and Coatings: Determining the Environmental Impact
Part 2: VOCs Can Affect Paint Performance
Part 3: Paints and Coatings: Washability, Durability Play Key Role
Part 4: Managers Must Consider Regulations and Standards for Paints
Paints and Coatings: Determining the Environmental Impact
By Dan Hounsell, Editor
October 2008
The goal of the green movement is to protect the environment, in part, by minimizing harmful materials and products entering facilities. That goal is laudable, and the movement is picking up steam nationwide.
Because of resulting changes in products, though, the process of specifying paints and coatings has never been more complex. Maintenance managers selecting these products for interior and exterior applications now have a growing pile of information to sift through in making a decision.
Product labels list more detailed chemical information and manufacturer claims of environmental friendliness. Regulations for volatile organic compound (VOC) levels and other harmful ingredients continue to expand and become more complex. Industry standards and green certification programs from organizations such as Green Seal and Greenguard offer still more information on sustainable paints and coatings.
Amid the glut of information, there is good news. Benefiting from trial and error and from technology advances, manufacturers say new-generation green paints and coatings deliver far better performance than many of their predecessors.
