Myth 1: "We use water-based /UV-cured paints, which are isocyanate-free. Anyway, isocyanates are being phased out by 2008"

Truth 1:

Almost all bodyshops use isocyanate-containing paints. The introduction of the Paints Directive (by The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005) will mean that only certain paints will be available for use by MVR bodyshops from January 2008.

If you're not sure what the paint contains, find out. In the meantime, use your air-fed breathing apparatus for all paint spraying.

Rumours have been circulating that isocyanate-containing paints will be banned. This is incorrect. In fact, the quantities of isocyanate required to cure the new generation of high-solids paints is likely to increase. Isocyanates will continue to be used in some primers and base coats as well as UV-cured coatings. Almost all top coats contain isocyanates. This is explained further in Sector Information Minute 03/2006/12.

• SIM 03/2006/12 Motor Vehicle Repair: Spraying isocyanate containing paints - developing issues - consequences of the 'paint' directive – isocyanate paints are not being banned