Toxic Coating Systems From Past to Future

In ancient times, different methods would be employed to protect the parts of the vessels that were underwater from the inhabiting of sea creatures (fouling).   While some civilizations would coat the bottom of the boats with wax, tar and asphalt mixtures, others would coat these areas with lead plates. Again, another mixture that was used in ancient times was the mixture of arsenic, sulfur and oil. Metal coatings were also among the methods used for the bottom of the boats. Romans and the Byzantines are known to have coated the bottom of the boats with lead. Some other civilizations would coat the bottom of the boats with animal hides or a mixture of animal hairs and tar.