Don't Slather Toxins on your Wall !

How to avoid slathering toxins on your walls
LOW & ZERO –VOC FINISHES


Paints and finishes may be one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, VOC’s are one of the top five hazards to human health.

Low levels of toxic substances can release in the air for months/years after application. The source of these toxic substances is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.

New environmental regulations and consumer demand have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. These products are durable, affordable, and less harmful to human and environmental health. They use water instead of petroleum-based solvents as a carrier. Paints with petroleum-based solvents contain a substantial amount of VOC’s.

The actual amount of VOCs can vary from product to product but is listed on the paint can. Low-VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. Zero-VOC paints pose fewer risks to your health and to the environment than paints containing high levels of VOCS. Many zero-VOC paint formulas still contain toxic ingredients, including acetone, ammonia, formaldehyde, and biocides. These chemicals can have serious adverse effects on indoor air quality.

Natural paints and finishes are formulated with plant-based ingredients, instead of petroleum-based, like plant oils, dyes, and resins. They also may incorporate milk casein, natural latex, and beeswax; and minerals such as clay, chalk, and earthen pigment. Water-based natural paints give off almost no odor. Paint-oil-based natural paints usually have a fresh fragrance of citrus or essential oils.

According to the Green Affordable Housing Coalition, a group of San Francisco Bay area green building design professionals, allergies and sensitivities to these paints are uncommon. The majority of common paint brands now provide these kinds of alternatives, and some manufacturers, such as AFM Safecoat and Bioshield have built their businesses around the greener choices.

All natural is the safest, zero VOC is the next best, and low VOC the third safest.