Kansai Paint Group Announces First Ever Anti-Mosquito Paint Approved By the EPA

The water-based paint can play a vital role in helping to slow the
spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S.

TROY, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kansai Paint Group, a global manufacturer of paints and coatings, (Head
office: Osaka Japan, President and CEO: Hiroshi Ishino) has announced
approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its
Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint. The Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint is designed
for interior use and contains a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. The
paint has been shown to significantly reduce the presence of mosquitoes
in painted areas, contributing to effective mosquito population control
and reducing the spread of many mosquito-borne diseases. Formulas for
all base colors have been approved for use in this product, enabling
Kansai to offer a wide swath of attractive colors.

“Development of the Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint marks a major milestone,
not only for our company but also for the worldwide effort in fighting
the spread of infectious diseases,” said Hiroshi Ishino. “For
generations, people all over the world have struggled with
mosquito-borne illnesses and the effects they have on families and
communities. Kansai is proud to be the first company in the world to
develop a safe paint, approved by the EPA that addresses this challenge
in a creative and effective way.”

Kansai Paint Group began development of the Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint
in 2013. After several years of extensive testing, the application was
officially submitted to the EPA in early 2017. Approval was secured in
just over 12 months, marking a near-record authorization time for
products in this industry. The Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint is the only
anti-mosquito paint that is approved by the EPA. It is currently
approved in Uganda and Zambia and is expected to be available in the
U.S. by summer of 2018.

Contact with the active ingredient in Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint,
disables the nervous systems of mosquitos and prevents them from flying
and biting. Use of the active ingredient in this product has not shown
to be dangerous for humans, either by physical contact or oral
ingestion. Further, presence of the active ingredient does not affect
the paint’s aesthetic quality, as the Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint
provides a smooth, matte finish with superior opacity and whiteness.

“Our testing has showed that the Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint was able to
exterminate on contact more than 90% of mosquitoes and is effective for
at least two years,” noted Kalpana Abe, Vice President, President’s
Office, Kansai Paint Group. “It will deter various species of mosquitos,
which can carry several viruses present in the U.S., including Zika and
the West Nile.”

Production of the Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint in the U.S. will be led by
U.S. Paint, a subsidiary of the Kansai Paint Group, acquired in 2016.
While the product has been available for limited sale around the world,
approval from the EPA marks a significant advancement in the company’s
ability to compete in the U.S. market. EPA approval is also expected to
hasten approvals abroad.

About Kansai Paint

Kansai Paint was established in 1918 in Osaka, Japan and is a leading
manufacturer of automotive, decorative, protective and industrial
coatings and finishes. Kansai Paint Group is one of the ten biggest
paint manufacturers in the world, with manufacturing facilities in
Africa, America, Europe, Middle East, and East and South Asia.

Contacts

Business:
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
Vice President, President’s
Office
Kalpana Abe, +81 6-6203-5531
Fax +81 6-6203-5018
or
Media:
Ryan
Walker, +1 917-344-4763
[email protected]
or
Chaffon
Davis, +1 212-819-4843
[email protected]