01. Health, safety & non-toxic materials
Acrylicon offers a non-toxic solution for floor and wall coatings that meets strict environmental and health requirements, without harmful emissions or demanding safety measures. With Acrylicon, you get a durable floor without compromising on safety and quality.
Hazardous substances and the duty of substitution
Several thermoset-based floor and wall products may contain chemical compounds that can be harmful to health and the environment. This particularly applies to epoxy and polyurethane (PU), which contain substances listed on the SVHC list (Substances of Very High Concern).
This list is part of the EU’s REACH regulation, which requires that products containing hazardous chemicals be replaced with safer alternatives where possible.
Epoxy and bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used in the production of plastics and epoxy resins. The substance has been widely discussed due to potential health and environmental effects. BPA is found in a range of products, including packaging, plastic containers, receipts, paint, adhesives – and epoxy-based floor coatings.
Why is BPA a problem?
BPA is an endocrine-disrupting compound, meaning it can affect the body’s hormonal system. Studies have shown that exposure to BPA can have negative health effects, particularly for pregnant women, infants and young children.
Potential health risks from BPA exposure
Hormonal disruption:
BPA mimics oestrogen and can disrupt hormonal balance.
Reproductive health:
Possible link to reduced fertility in both men and women.
Developmental disorders:
BPA may affect foetal development and children’s growth.
Increased disease risk:
Studies have linked BPA to increased risk of diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
How does BPA exposure occur?
Inhalation of dust and fumes:
Epoxy coatings containing BPA can release gases and microparticles during installation, curing and wear.
Skin contact:
BPA can be absorbed through the skin, particularly when working with epoxy-based materials.
Via food and drink:
BPA can leach from plastic packaging and epoxy-based food containers.
Polyurethane and isocyanates
Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive chemical compounds used in the production of polyurethane (PU), a material found in everything from foam and lacquer to insulation and floor coatings. PU floors can therefore pose a health and environmental risk during installation, use and removal.
Due to the health risks, isocyanates are strictly regulated in many countries, and working with PU products requires special safety measures such as ventilation, protective equipment and exposure control.
How can isocyanates affect health?
Isocyanates are known to be potent irritants and can cause serious health problems, particularly for people exposed to them repeatedly.
Respiratory problems and asthma:
Isocyanates can cause airway inflammation and the development of chronic asthma even at low exposure levels.
Skin and eye irritation:
Direct contact can cause rashes, eczema and lasting allergic reactions.
Allergic reactions:
Isocyanates can trigger severe allergic reactions that worsen with repeated exposure.
Long-term effects:
Repeated exposure increases the risk of chronic lung disease and can lead to permanent health problems.
Polyurethane floors and isocyanate issues
Polyurethane-based (PU) floors are often used as an alternative to epoxy in industry, but they have several critical drawbacks related to isocyanates:
- Off-gassing during installation
PU floors release isocyanate vapour during application and curing, requiring good ventilation and specialist equipment for workers. - Air pollution and indoor climate
Isocyanates can emit harmful VOCs even after installation, which can negatively affect the indoor environment. - Microscopic pores (“pinholes”)
Polyurethane floors develop pores in the surface during curing caused by CO2, making cleaning difficult and potentially leading to bacterial growth in hygiene-critical environments. - Difficult removal and hazardous waste
When polyurethane floors need to be removed, they must be handled as hazardous waste. Grinding and demolishing polyurethane floors can release isocyanate-containing dust, requiring extensive safety measures.
Other effects
Polyurethane (PU) contains isocyanates, highly reactive compounds that can be harmful to health and the environment.
Isocyanates can cause severe respiratory problems, allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Prolonged exposure can lead to asthma and chronic lung damage.
Due to the risks, the use of isocyanates is strictly regulated in many countries, and working with PU requires extensive HSE measures, including specialist ventilation and protective equipment.
Legal obligation for safer alternatives: Duty of substitution and HSE requirements
In Norway and the EU, there are strict regulations for the use of chemical substances with health and environmental hazards. The duty of substitution requires businesses to consider safer alternatives where they exist:
“The duty of substitution requires businesses that use products containing hazardous chemical substances to investigate whether products that pose less risk are available. Businesses must choose this alternative if it can be done without unreasonable cost or inconvenience.”
This means that epoxy and polyurethane floors must be evaluated against safer alternatives, such as Acrylicon. In addition, the EU’s REACH regulation requires risk assessment and substitution for substances that may be harmful.
Regulations in Norway and the EU
Isocyanates in PU floors are strictly regulated, and their use requires extensive HSE measures, including:
- Protective equipment and specialist ventilation during installation
- Strict procedures for handling and waste management
- Exposure control to protect workers