Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that paint manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to eliminate mercurial biocides from interior latex paints. New labeling requirements and use of substitutes are estimated by EPA to cost the industry up to $50 million for a market worth only $10 million annually, according to the Chemical Economics Handbook. While available evidence suggests that mercury poisoning is rare, EPA is concerned about the potential risks to public health and the environment, says EPA assistant administrator for pesticides and toxic substances Linda J. Fisher. The compounds, including primarily phenylmercuric acetate, are used as preservatives in interior paints and as mildew preventatives in exterior paints. All use of mercury compounds in interior paints will stop by Aug. 20. Exterior paints will be allowed to contain some mercury, but will have to be clearly labeled. The National Paint & Coatings Association, which represents paint manufacturers, has vowed to continue cooper...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
