respirator, but since this type of respirator is not often worn, workers are unknowingly being exposed to a potentially dangerous chemical (EPA, 2013c). Paint is an essential part of the automotive industry, as it primarily acts as a corrosion barrier. As VOC laws change and become more stringent, manufacturers are challenged to develop products that meet these requirements while still maintaining quality. This also leads to complications in regards to the sale and marketing of these products, because some products are not allowed to be sold in certain states (EPA, 1998). Water-based paints have been developed that eliminate the need for most solvents and dramatically reduce the amount of VOCs in paint. However, although they are being used now more than ever before, further development is required before they completely replace traditional solvent-based paints (EPA, 2008). In a study comparing water-based paint to solvent-based paint, researchers found that the water-based paint significantly cut down on workers’ exposure to organic solvents, specifically to toluene. In fact, workers were three times more likely to be exposed to organic solvents when they used a solvent-based system versus a water-based system (Bråtveit, Hollund, & Moen, 2004). Waterborne paint can be deceiving, however, because of the idea that it eliminates the use of dangerous chemicals. This is not true, and protective equipment must still be worn. Another drawback with water-based paints is that they are more expensive than solvent-based paints (EPA, 2008; EPA, 2012d). Although the regulation of VOCs has made a positive impact on the reduction of pollution levels, chemicals need to be properly tested before they are granted exemption from these laws. The government should also ensure that these chemicals have a permissible exposure
respirator, but since this type of respirator is not often worn, workers are unknowingly being exposed to a potentially dangerous chemical (EPA, 2013c). Paint is an essential part of the automotive industry, as it primarily acts as a corrosion barrier. As VOC laws change and become more stringent, manufacturers are challenged to develop products that meet these requirements while still maintaining quality. This also leads to complications in regards to the sale and marketing of these products, because some products are not allowed to be sold in certain states (EPA, 1998). Water-based paints have been developed that eliminate the need for most solvents and dramatically reduce the amount of VOCs in paint. However, although they are being used now more than ever before, further development is required before they completely replace traditional solvent-based paints (EPA, 2008). In a study comparing water-based paint to solvent-based paint, researchers found that the water-based paint significantly cut down on workers’ exposure to organic solvents, specifically to toluene. In fact, workers were three times more likely to be exposed to organic solvents when they used a solvent-based system versus a water-based system (Bråtveit, Hollund, & Moen, 2004). Waterborne paint can be deceiving, however, because of the idea that it eliminates the use of dangerous chemicals. This is not true, and protective equipment must still be worn. Another drawback with water-based paints is that they are more expensive than solvent-based paints (EPA, 2008; EPA, 2012d). Although the regulation of VOCs has made a positive impact on the reduction of pollution levels, chemicals need to be properly tested before they are granted exemption from these laws. The government should also ensure that these chemicals have a permissible exposure
Barlet_Thesis.docx