Anti-fouling coatings are essential for protecting boats and other submerged structures from the damaging effects of marine growth and biofouling. However, traditional anti-fouling coatings contain toxic substances that can harm the environment and human health.
One of the main ingredients in traditional anti-fouling coatings is copper, which is known to be toxic to marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. In fact, studies have shown that traditional copper-based anti-fouling coatings can leach significant amounts of highly-concentrated copper into the surrounding water, creating an ecological threat (1).
Moreover, these toxic substances are not only harmful to marine life but also to human health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies tributyltin (TBT), a common ingredient in traditional anti-fouling coatings, as a Group 1 human carcinogen (2). TBT has also been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive abnormalities, and immune system suppression (3).
In addition to copper and TBT, many traditional anti-fouling coatings contain other toxic substances, such as zinc, lead, and toxic biocides. These substances can persist in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and have long-term effects on human health and the ecosystem (4).
Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional anti-fouling coatings that are both effective and eco-friendly. For example, BARNACIDE® offers a premium range of eco-friendly anti-fouling coatings that are much safer for the environment and human health. BARNACIDE® coatings use patented technology that is designed to repel and prevent biofouling damage without any significant leeching of chemicals. The inner layer, containing the more potent biologically active chemical agents, is shielded from the aquatic environment by the outer layer that covers it (5).
In conclusion, traditional anti-fouling coatings can have harmful effects on the environment and human health due to their toxic ingredients. It is essential to consider the environmental and health impacts of the products we use and explore alternative solutions that are both effective and safe. By choosing eco-friendly anti-fouling coatings like BARNACIDE®, we can protect our marine environment and our health while maintaining the integrity of our vessels and structures.
For more information regarding BARNACIDE® products, contact us at support@barnacide.com
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References:
Davis, J., & Birch, G. (2018). Environmental risks of copper-based antifouling paint use on recreational vessels in Australia. Environmental Pollution, 243, 440-450. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.005
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (1990). IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans: Some organotin compounds. 29, 311-328. PMID: 2199286
Fent, K., Weston, A., & Caminada, D. (2003). Ecotoxicology of human pharmaceuticals. Aquatic Toxicology, 64, 239-249. doi: 10.1016/S0166-445X(03)00008-5
GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). (2017). Report of the twenty-second session of the Scientific Advisory Committee. GFCM: Rome.
BARNACIDE®. (2022). Products. Retrieved from https://barnacide.com/products/
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