Microplastic Pollution from Paints
La contaminación generada por la degradación de las pinturas y recubrimientos (incluyendo las formulaciones alquídicas con base de aceite y las de base acuosa) es un problema ambiental importante y subestimado.
Estos productos contienen hasta un 37% de polímeros plásticos sintéticos que se liberan al medio ambiente como microplásticos (MPs) tóxicos.
| Aspect | Impact Summary |
|---|---|
| Main Source | The problem lies in the synthetic polymers (the “plastic” component) that act as binders. Release occurs primarily through wear and tear (weathering of buildings, road signs, marine coatings) and improper maintenance (sanding, sandblasting) and disposal (rinsing in the sink). |
| Scale and Impact | Paint is estimated to be the single largest source of primary microplastic leakage into aquatic environments. Paint flakes are an abundant form of microplastics in the ocean. |
| Risk of Toxicity | Paint microplastics are especially dangerous because they leach highly toxic heavy metals (copper, lead) and biocides, causing a serious ecological hazard and potential damage to marine life after ingestion. |
Interventions and Solutions
Mitigation strategies are focusing on the entire product lifecycle:
- Upward Innovation: Investment in R&D to design more durable paints and explore bio-based/biodegradable alternatives to replace persistent polymers (such as those found in traditional oil-based paints).
- Operational Control: Implementation of waste capture systems (e.g., vacuum cleaners) during maintenance and closed brush cleaning systems to prevent discharge into drains.
- Regulatory Action: The European Union (EU) is actively reviewing regulations (e.g., ESPR Regulation, post-REACH) to consider specific restrictions on PMs from paints From 2025 onwards.
Transition to Bio-Based Coatings
Comparison with bio-based insulating coatings shows a clear advantage: while these still release particles through wear, the base material is designed for faster biodegradation. This represents a shift from a persistent and highly toxic pollutant (typical of oil-based paints) to a material with a significantly lower long-term environmental risk.