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Paint
Without the Fumes
The ABCs of VOCs
by
Avery Yale Kamila |
There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to
improve the look of any room. But beware, the same paint that looks great on
your walls can be bad for your health. Fortunately, safer paint options
abound.
The problem with conventional paint comes from the classic new paint smell.
Chemical additives, which do things like improve spreadability and help
resist mildew, are responsible for this familiar odor. These chemicals,
which number in the hundreds, can include: formaldehyde, ammonia,
phthalates, toluene, and heavy metals.
As the paint dries, these offending chemicals, called volatile organic
compounds or VOCs, evaporate into your home’s air. And this is why you need
to be concerned. Studies done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
have shown that pollution levels can be two to five times higher indoors
than they are outdoors. Paint fumes are one of many causes of this indoor
air pollution problem.
It is also helpful to distinguish between latex paints (which means
water-based) and alkyd paints (which means petroleum-based). As you’ve
probably guessed, latex paints are generally less toxic than alkyd paints.
They are easier to clean up too—all you need is water.
That said, not all latex paints are automatically better for you. When
shopping for paint, you want to look for paint labeled “no-VOC” or
“low-VOC.” Don’t be confused by labels that say “low odor.” These paints may
use additional chemicals to mask odors, rather than eliminating or reducing
the offending VOCs.
At the same time, not all low-VOC paints are created equal. EPA regulations
require that low-VOC latex paints contain no more that 250 grams per liter
(gm/l) of VOCs. (Low-VOC alkyd paint can contain up to 380 gm/l of VOCs.)
Keep in mind that the EPA established these thresholds as a way to reduce
smog (VOCs are a primary contributor to smog formation) and not as way to
improve indoor air quality. Therefore, most healthy building experts
recommend that you purchase paint that contains less than 150 gm/l of VOCs.
Manufacturers are required to list this information on the label. You also
need to know that once you add color to a paint, it increases its VOC
content. So if you want a true VOC-free latex paint, your choices will be
limited to white.
Another green alternative is natural paint. These paints have been used for
centuries and are made from earth-based materials, such as clay, milk, lime,
and plant or mineral derived pigments. If you are looking for a colored
paint without VOCs, you want to choose a natural paint.
When it comes to applying these safer paints, you will find that low and
no-VOC latex paints generally perform like their more toxic cousins. The
most noticeable difference is a faster drying time. Natural paints, however,
are a bit trickier.
Natural paints are often sold as a powder that you mix yourself (which can
allow you creative flexibility, but can also give you color matching
headaches). You also need to be aware that some natural paints may not
adhere well to painted walls and will do better on unpainted surfaces.
Whatever paint you choose, you will want to test the paint on a small
section of the wall before you use it on the entire room.
Where to Find Low and No-VOC
Latex Paints
American Formulating & Manufacturing Enterprises -
www.afmsafecoat.com
Benjamin Moore & Company -
www.benjaminmoore.com
Chem-Safe Products -
www.ecowise.com/green/paint
Devoe Paint - www.devoepaint.com
Duron Paints - www.duron.com
Frazee Paints - www.frazeepaint.com
Glidden Company -
www.iciduluxpaints.com
Kelly-Moore Paint Company -
www.kellymoore.com
Miller Paint Company -
www.millerpaint.com
McCormick Paint -
www.mccormickpaints.com
Pittsburgh Paints -
www.pittsburghpaints.com
PPG Architectural Finishes - www.ppgaf.com
Rodda - www.roddapaint.com
Sherwin-Williams -
www.sherwin-williams.com
Where to Find Natural Paints
Antique Drapery Rod Company -
www.antiquedraperyrod.com
Bioshield Paint -
www.bioshieldpaint.com
Natural Home -
www.naturalhomeproducts.com
Old Fashion Milk Paint Company -
www.milkpaint.com
Sinan Company -
www.dcn.davis.ca.us/go/sinan
Avery Yale Kamila
writes about health and environmental issues from Portland, Maine.
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