How are ePaints safer for the environment than copper-based paints?
A – Traditional antifouling paints use copper as the biocide to control biofouling. Although copper is a naturally occurring compound, in high concentrations copper is detrimental to aquatic life. Our harbors, bays, estuaries, and lakes are particularly susceptible to build up of high levels of copper and other harmful compounds. In terms of metal toxicity, elemental copper is second only to mercury. Unlike copper, ePaints generate benign levels of hydrogen peroxide and contain the organic booster biocides of Zinc Omadine or SeaNine 211. These compounds quickly break down into harmless materials once released into the aquatic environment.
