Today, biocides, antimicrobials, mildewcides, preservatives, slimicides and antifungal agents are familiar additives in numerous aqueous formulations. Marketing products that lack essential preservatives is not an option for formulators trying to maintain a cutting edge in this increasingly competitive industry. The omission of biocides in waterborne coatings can result in product spoilage, customer quality issues, product recall, product rework and downtime. Microbial degradation leads to compromised performance, including gas formation, discoloration, changes in viscosity, poor stability, loss of adhesion and foul odors - all of which can have a significant economic impact on the producer through loss of sales and even loss of reputation.