It’s about time we made this idea an actuality, Eco-Friendly paint. For decades we’ve been painting our homes with paint containing harmful toxins putting our loved ones in harm’s way. According to the EPA, indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air. Traditional paints and finishes are among the leading causes for indoor pollution. These paints and finishes release low-level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The solvent used in conventional paints are called Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs combined with other airborne pollutants create smog. Inside your home, VOCs contribute to unhealthy air, which can then lead to respiratory and metabolicillness, headaches, along a host of disorders.
Thankfully paint manufacturers realized the demand for paints containing less harmful ingredients. Here are 3 general categories of non-toxic paints: Low-VOC, Non-VOC, and Natural paints.
Low-VOC Paints
Low-VOC paints will still emit odor until dry, but these paints use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents which then reduces the levels of harmful emissions. They also contain no, or very low levels of heavy metals and formaldehyde. To be considered Low-VOC paint, the paint must NOT contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Any paint containing VOCs in the range of 5 grams per litre can be considered a non-VOC paint. Some manufacturers may claim that there paint is a non-VOC product, but these paints may still use biocides and fungicides containing some VOC’s.
Example of Low VOC Paints
Benjamin Moore Aura - Low VOC covers most surfaces in a single coat, durable, scrubbable.
Dulux Enviro2- is a premium low VOC interior paint system available in low sheen acrylic, flat acrylic and acrylic sealer undercoat.
OIKOS Paints - Interior and exterior paints, low voc, solvent-free. (www.oikos-paint.com
Non- VOC Paints
Any paint containing VOCs in the range of 5 grams per litre can be considered a non-VOC paint. Some manufacturers may claim that there paint is a non-VOC product, but these paints may still use biocides and fungicides containing some VOC’s.
Example of Non-VOC Paints
Benjamin Moore Pristine EcoSpec - Zero-VOC, under 1 gram/liter. Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss finishes and a primer
Frazee Paint EnviroKote - line of interior zero-VOC paints: semi-gloss, flat, and primer.
Yolo Colorhouse - Zero-VOC, low-odor, premium interior paint. (yolocolorhouse.com)
Considering that some manufacturer claim that they’re paint is Non-VOC but yet they still contain low levels of VOC, you start to wonder if there are paints out in the market that are truly VOC free. Luckily there is a safe alternative for the safety of your household and the environment.
Natural Paints
These paints are made from natural raw ingredients, such as water, plant oils, resins; plant dyes and essential oils. These paints contain minerals like clay, chalk and talcum. You will also find other interesting ingredients like milk casein, natural latex and bees wax. The solvent used in natural paints is water and plant oils. Water-based natural paints leave your home odor free during and after your painting project. The oil-based natural paints usually have soft pleasant fragrance of citrus and essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to natural paints are uncommon. Natural paints are your safest option for you, family and the environment.
Examples of Natural Paints
Anna Sova - natural paints from milk casein, titanium dioxide and food-grade ingredients.
Green Planet Paints - high performance natural paints for interiors based on plants and minerals
Information from: http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm
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