Coatings update: Pollution and the paint industry

Abstract

That pollution is very much with us, not only in the paint industry but in practically all of the industrial enterprises in the world, goes without saying. Acute shortages which highlighted 1973 and 1974 raised the interesting philosophical question of how much pollution might we be willing to endure if that pollution is necessary in order to assure adequate raw material supplies. Perhaps the most critical point in this area relates to the use of coal versus oil, both as an energy source and as a source of chemicals. There are a number of disadvantages to coal as opposed to oil including its solid form. If it is to be taken from the ground by strip mining, the land is defaced. Its use involves the evolution of fumes, some of which at least contain sulphur and nitrogen compounds. The containment of these fumes is an expensive and technologically demanding problem. Similar problems arise relative to the achievement of optimum performance from gasoline. Pollution control devices on automobiles may lead to lower mileage with increased gasoline consumption. What kind of concessions can be made in view of the fact that gasoline is essential to a automobile‐oriented lifestyle whereas a clean atmosphere is basic to any decent lifestyle is a moot question. These are the kinds of problems that require the utmost in judgmental capability on the part of both the electorate and the elected relative to the passing and enforcement of laws in these important areas.

Citation

Americus (1975), "Coatings update: Pollution and the paint industry", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 4 No. 8, pp. 7-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb041107