Paints and lacquers
Products: Lacquers, paints – including latex paints, adhesives containing organic solvents or hazardous substances.
Info: Paints and lacquers consist of pigments (dyes), solvents, binders and other additives. In the past, toxic heavy metal compounds were frequently used as pigments but also recent paints and lacquers (that are for instance solvent-free) contain additives such as preservatives, which can be harmful to health.
Avoiding/reducing: Use solvent-free water-based paints and natural oils and waxes for wood treatment. Avoid solvent-based paints. Use environmentally friendly paints and lacquers.
Recycling/environmentally sound disposal: Recycling of metal an plastic packaging, use of paint and lacquer residues as substitute fuel.
The exclamation mark for irritating substances (e.g. irritating the respiratory system)
The dead tree and fish for substances dangerous for water
The body figure for substances very dangerous for health (e.g. cancerous)
The flame for inflammable or fire spreading solids, liquids and gases