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 Taking issue with conventional paint Low or No VOC alternatives and why you should use them Posted by Staff on December 09, 2008 1:56 pm
Is it possible for all paint colors to be green? To use an environmentally friendly paint is much better for our earth—but is it practical? Yes! The pros of non-toxic paint are especially important for people who have chronic respiratory problems or allergies. Chemical fumes create more irritants in the air, which can worsen pre-existing conditions or even create new conditions that are harder to control. Even if you use an air purifier and allergen-free furnishings, paint with chemicals can significantly damage your health. Most paint contains chemicals and compounds that are harmful to the environment and potentially harmful to you and your family. Even "latex" paint, which is considered a safe alternative by most, contains some detrimental compounds. This chemical concoction releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) into the air we breathe. VOC's are actually a class of carbon-based chemicals that have the capacity to rapidly evaporate. Once airborne, many VOC's have the ability to combine with each other, or with other molecules in the air to create new chemical compounds According to the EPA, the average home's interior air is three times more polluted than outdoor air. Interior paints are often prime suspect for the source of this indoor pollution. Volatile organic compounds can slowly off-gas for years after initial application, and thus, manufacturers are now offering "non-toxic" formulas made from natural ingredients such as water, milk casein, natural latex, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils or with formulations containing VOC's in the range of 5 grams or less per can (so technically, these do still contain toxic ingredients; adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter). What can you do? Fortunately, there's something you can easily do to avoid generating pollution and unsafe living spaces. You can still have beautiful, colorful walls without poisoning yourself or the environment by using "non-toxic" paint, also referred to as "low or no VOC" paint. List of Potential sources for No/Low VOC alternatives.
Safe Coat primers, paints and sealers
Auro Natural paints - by Sinan Company
Pristine Eco-Spec Paint - by Benjamin Moore
Bio Shield paints and stains - by Bioshield
Genesis odor-free paint - by Duron
Milk-based (casein) paints and natural pigments - the Old Fashioned Milk
Paint Company
April 24, 2009 11:15 am
Posted by Horace F
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