On the 25th, under the supervision of the Zhongshan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, 117 cans of free formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds exceeding the standard
paint were intensively destroyed. This is also the first time that Zhongshan Port has destroyed unqualified imported paint.
These 6 paints totaling 117 cans with a net weight of 508 kg, are
water-based paints imported from Italy by a company in Zhongshan for interior decoration. The inspection and quarantine department found that the content of free formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds in its samples greatly exceeded the requirements of the national mandatory standards.
Volatile organic compounds are mainly derived from film-forming additives in coatings, including toxic substances such as formaldehyde and benzene. When the concentration of VOC in indoor air is too high, it is easy to cause acute poisoning. In mild cases, headache, dizziness, cough, nausea, and vomiting may occur. In severe cases, it can cause convulsions and coma, cause liver poisoning, and damage the nervous system. Long-term exposure may cause leukemia and cancer.
The bureau reminded relevant import companies to clarify the safety and health standards of coatings when signing contracts with foreign parties to prevent substandard coatings from flowing into the domestic market and endangering consumers' health.
