What condition indicates a paint attack that would damage dry-van and open-top cargo?

A paint attack that could harm dry-van and open-top cargo is indicated by bubbling and blistering. This phenomenon occurs when a paint coating reacts chemically or physically to factors such as moisture or temperature changes, leading to its degradation. When these blisters form, they can break open, and their contents may lead to direct contact with the cargo, potentially resulting in spoilage, damages, or contamination.

In contrast, while non-transferable wall stains may indicate issues with the container's integrity, they do not necessarily compromise the cargo directly. Organic residues stuck to caulking may point to previous exposure but are less likely to be a direct threat compared to paint defects. Mold and mildew indicate biological growth, which could be problematic, especially for organic cargo, but do not directly correlate with paint integrity issues. Therefore, bubbling and blistering are significant indicators that suggest the potential for cargo damage stemming from compromised paint integrity.