Adhesives

Adhesives comprise numerous forms with a variety of applications, from water-based craft and hobby glues through to industrial adhesives for construction and renovation purposes. Adhesives are well known for their fumes and odours that may affect installers or building occupants and that are responsible for toxic air emissions to the environment. Adhesives contain a large range of chemicals that ensure superior binding strength for a large range of applications. The chemical components 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. Adhesives can also contain carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances.

VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) are additives of particular concern. These substances are used to improve drying times. Exposure to VOC's via fumes and odours experienced during adhesive application can worsen asthma symptoms and cause nose, skin, and eye irritation; headaches, nausea, convulsions, and dizziness; respiratory problems; nerve damage; and, in some cases, liver and kidney disease. Adhesives that require solvent cleaners pose longer-term health risks, as many solvent cleaners contain glycol ethers (tetragens) which can cause birth-defects in unborn children.

Adhesive packaging provides a further source of environmental impact. Packaging is often not recyclable and/or of poor design, allowing unused adhesive to enter and contaminate the environment after disposal.

Fortunately, progress in the adhesives industry has allowed the development of adhesives with reduced levels of the toxic compounds which still maintain their bonding strength for their intended purpose.

Consumer Behaviour Tips

• Seek adhesives labelled as being a low-VOC of VOC-free product;
• Seek adhesives labelled as being free of carcinogens (cancer-causing) substances;
• Seek adhesives labelled as being free of reproductive toxins or similarly-named agents that might cause birth defects;
• Look for packaging that will clearly allow all the adhesive content to be used;
• Only purchase enough adhesive required to complete the task/job;
• Give leftover adhesive to another person, allow it to dry/cure in the sun, or dispose via a recognized contractor;
• Consult your local council or state environment authority regarding the safe disposal of residual adhesives;
• Do not pour or tip adhesives into drains or directly into the environment;
• Secure leftover adhesives to prevent the release of VOC's and avoid any accidental poisoning of children or animals.

For specific information view our Environmental Standard for Adhesives:
www.geca.org.au/standardsregister.htm