Antifouling paints are used, among other applications, to prevent growth of algae, mussles and sea acorn on the hull of the vessel. These paints are also called antifouling products.
Antifouling paints removing the growth on a chemical and biological way must be approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency before sale or use. Paints removing growth in a physical way, for example by a surface structure preventing growth, need not be approved. But similarly to ordinary paints, physically working paints may contain substances which are hazardous to the environment and human health. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to inform about and label the products in a way that is safe to the one handling them.
Several of the substances used to prevent growth have turned out to be harmful to water-living plants and animals. The regulations for approval of antifouling paints have successively been tightened up in order to protect the water environment.
The use areas are listed below. (Information in Swedish.)
Paints which are allowed to be used by the general public on pleasure boats
Paints which are allowed for professional use on vessels
