ADHESIVES

We all use adhesives on a daily basis. Uses vary from kids using glue for school projects, adhesives used during home renovations and upkeep and industrial adhesives used at your workplace.     

There is a wide range of adhesives available in the market for both industrial and retail uses. With this diversity comes the opportunity to choose more environmentally friendly alternatives.

The environmental issues association with adhesives that you should know about are:

(1) Adhesives are well known for their fumes and odours. The chemical composition of adhesives are binders, solvents/thinners, plasticizers, fillers, thickeners, anti-foaming agents, preservatives and a large range of other chemical additives whose respective functions add to the products intended purpose. Some additives in adhesives are also carcinogenic and are known to create negative human health effects.

(2) Volatile organic compounds (VOC's) allow for quick drying times however they are the primary compounds which create odour and that is easily inhaled. These VOC's are also carriers to some of the more toxic substances in the adhesive. VOC's themselves can make you feel dizzy or create a headache. If you are working in enclosed places you should be careful to take breaks or create some ventilation. 

(3) Packaging can also be a factor with adhesives not just because of the material used but also because some packaging makes it impossible to get all of the adhesive out for it's intended purpose...this means a cocktail of chemicals being disposed off in the waste stream unnecessarily.

For more specific information on adhesives use the Good Environmental Choice Standard for Adhesives in Australia. This standard is used to assess the environmental performance of adhesive products in Australia and determine if they deserve the Australian 'Good Environmental Choice' Label.

GECA 1-2007 - ADHESIVES

GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES

• When choosing adhesives, where ever possible, choose products that state they have lower number of toxic chemicals in their formulation. The product may state that it is "free of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or ozone-depleting substances"  or have "low toxic compounds".
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• Progress in the adhesives industry has allowed the development of adhesives with reduced levels of "Volatile Organic Compounds" which still maintain their bonding strength for their intended purpose. Look out for "low  VOC" brands.

• When renovating or doing home maintenance, avoid exposing your family, neighbours, or pets to adhesive hazards by ensuring good ventilation, closing the lid, and disposing of goods that may have their packaging damaged allowing material to leak.

• Look out for packaging which allows you to easily use the whole adhesive amount leaving less adhesive in the package or tube when you throw it out. Look out for packaging that is recyclable such as plastic and paper which is marked suitable for recycling.