In recent years, the home improvement market has seen significant growth. However, this expansion has also brought challenges, as some companies attempt to cut costs by using low-quality raw materials or compromising on production standards. This practice leads to unsafe products entering the market, which can harm consumers and violate their rights.
To address these concerns, the City Consumer Association recently conducted a comprehensive quality test of interior wall coatings in Changchun during the first quarter. The results showed that 97.1% of the tested samples met the national standards, with the main issue being excessive free formaldehyde levels in one sample.
As the May Day holiday approaches, the traditional home renovation season is beginning. Many residents are already planning their renovations and starting preparations. Interior painting is an essential part of any home improvement project.
At local building material markets, it's common to find a wide range of wall paints available. In just one franchise store, over ten different brands can be found, and when including other stores, the number of options could reach into the hundreds. Prices vary significantly, from under 100 yuan to more than 1,000 yuan, showing a price difference of up to ten times.
A sales representative from one brand explained, "Our wall paint prices range from 170 to 896 yuan. The main differences lie in the functions offered. Higher-end products can cover fine cracks, resist scrubbing, prevent mildew, and offer antibacterial properties, all while being environmentally friendly and free from formaldehyde."
With so many choices on the market, consumers may wonder about the reliability of the products. According to the City Consumer Association, they recently conducted a multi-brand comparison test to evaluate the quality of interior wall paints in Changchun.
Only One Sample Failed
The test involved randomly purchasing samples from major building material markets and specialty stores. A total of 35 samples were collected from 23 different retail locations, including 7 joint ventures and 20 domestic brands. Out of these, 34 samples met the national standards, resulting in a qualification rate of 97.1%. Only one sample, “Yaju High-grade Wall Paint†produced by Pompeitz Construction Coatings Co., Ltd. in Foshan, Guangdong, failed due to exceeding the limit for free formaldehyde.
Free Formaldehyde: A Hidden Danger
According to Jiuzheng Building Materials Network, the primary reason for the failure was excessive free formaldehyde content. Free formaldehyde comes mainly from synthetic resins and anti-mold agents used in the paint. While these ingredients help maintain chemical stability, they can release formaldehyde into the air as the paint dries.
High concentrations of free formaldehyde can lead to serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, coughing, chest tightness, and even death in extreme cases. The acceptable level of free formaldehyde in coatings is ≤100 mg/kg. The failing sample had 106 mg/kg, which was 1.06 times the standard limit.
City Consumer Association staff noted that most of the interior wall paints currently available in the city meet industry standards, giving consumers confidence in their choices.
Choosing the Right Interior Paint
As an essential decorative material, interior wall paint directly impacts consumer safety. To ensure quality, the Consumers Association issued a warning, advising consumers to:
First, purchase from reputable stores with valid business licenses and good reputations. Choose products that meet the GB18582-2008 standard and have environmental certification marks. Check for clear labeling, including the manufacturer’s name, location, and product certifications. It’s best to buy products certified by ISO14001 or ISO9000, as these tend to offer more consistent quality.
Additionally, review the product’s quality inspection report, which should include VOC, free formaldehyde, and heavy metal content. Inspect the packaging for damage or bulging, as these may indicate poor storage conditions.
Finally, always request a valid receipt or payment confirmation (such as an invoice or credit card statement) to protect your rights in case of disputes.
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