Sep 2 2010
EOS-1, a division of Ellis Paint Co., introduces a series of new waterborne paints and coatings especially designed for the entertainment industry to improve working conditions for painters and film production crews.
Scenic painting presents many health hazards due to exposure to hazardous solvents and toxic coatings.
Since the inception of the film industry, scenic artists and those working around them have been breathing and using products that are known carcinogens to create their craft. New paint technology that was previously unavailable now gives film producers another choice.
According to Ellis Paint VP/GM and Chemist Joseph Tashjian, the new EOS-1 formulas have been specially created with the scenic artist and set designer in mind. EOS-1 products have been tested by scenic artists, who concur that the EOS-1 products perform as well as or better than existing hazardous coatings. He also says that many of the paints used in the entertainment industry have been deemed non-compliant by regulatory agencies, and may be eliminated in the very near future.
As a result, Ellis Paint is now introducing EOS-1, the result of many years of research and development. Eliminating hazardous chemicals in set construction and giving people an environmentally friendly product has been the primary purpose of the EOS-1 Concept. Together with its subsidiaries PRRS (waste recycling services) and Shelburne Equipment Company, Ellis Paint will be able to offer customers a complete solution for paint-related challenges.
Hollywood scenic artist Rich Ivey released the following statement: “I have been an entertainment industry scenic artist for 34 years. I have experienced health problems including liver damage, respiratory failure, nervous tremors, headaches, nausea, and skin rashes on a regular basis. I became so ill from paint fumes that I had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance from the studio film lot to get emergency medical attention and experienced loss of work time. This was due to being exposed to, and having to work with, solvent-based paint products to create special effects, so essential to film production. Scenic artists are fortunate that EOS-1 products have been developed for the entertainment industry to create a healthier workplace for all those involved in film production.”
Source: http://www.eos-1coatings.com/