Rust-Oleum says survey reveals increased interest in VOC-, HAP-Free paints

Citation

(2004), "Rust-Oleum says survey reveals increased interest in VOC-, HAP-Free paints", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 33 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2004.12933dab.008

Rust-Oleum says survey reveals increased interest in VOC-, HAP-Free paints

Rust-Oleum says survey reveals increased interest in VOC-, HAP-Free paints

Keywords: Health and safety, Paints, Hazards

A study commissioned by RPM Inc.'s Rust-Oleum subsidiary concludes that business owners, plant-facility managers and health and safety executives are interested in reducing workplace hazards related to painting activities while allowing such activities to take place during normal business hours.

The study, titled “Industrial Paint Policy and Perception Survey,” was conducted by StrategyOne, a Washington, DC-based market- research and strategic-communications agency. Rust-Oleum, based in Vernon Hills, IL, said that the survey was designed to raise the awareness of health risks related to painting and “encourage an industry consciousness for alternative solutions”.

Rust-Oleum said that in 2001, a study conducted by The National Safety Council reported that 147,000 individuals suffered from respiratory conditions due to toxic agents that include solvents. John Simons, Vice-President of marketing for Rust-Oleum Industrial Brands, said that the new survey showed how “top of mind” the concern was among business owners and managers involved in making decisions related to painting activities.

Rust-Oleum said the survey showed significant interest in coatings that offer high performance but no VOCs, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or odor. The company said its Sierra Performance product line meets those specifications.

The company said 41 percent of businesses surveyed indicated that they currently are paying painting crews overtime to get the job done during off-hours and as a result are searching for new ways to reduce job costs.

Additionally, 77 percent of these decision- makers said that they would prefer to schedule painting for indoor applications during normal business hours when labor rates are lower.

The survey also showed nearly unanimous agreement that high-performance paints are required in many applications to provide chemical and abrasion resistance.