What types of paint and anti-fouling systems are used on ships, and where are they found?
Paint and preservative coatings can be found on both interior and exterior surfaces of a ship. Particularly on older ships, paint may be flammable or may contain toxic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals (e.g., lead, barium, cadmium, chromium, and zinc), and biocides. Lead compounds, such as red lead tetraoxide (Pb3O4) and lead chromate, have been used extensively in marine paint. Other paints containing biocides, such as organotin (including compounds such as tributyl tin), have been used on the hulls of ships to prevent the buildup of marine organisms (e.g., bacteria, protozoa, barnacles, and algae).
