FIND SAFER PAINT
green building
By Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk
ANDERSEN-ROSS/BRAND X PICTURES/PICTURE QUEST
Before you pick up that brush, choose the right paints for lower health risks and less air pollution.
P
art of the odor that we recognize as the smell of fresh paint is actually caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that evaporate readily at room temperature, in the paint. VOCs are found in some pigments and also are added to alkyd oil and (to a lesser extent) latex paints to provide certain desirable working qualities, like spreadability, or to improve durability. Low-level exposure to these chemicals may cause temporary health problems, such as headaches, dizziness or nausea. Higher exposure levels and/or longer exposure times can cause more serious and long-term problems. But you and your family can avoid these problems simply by choosing paints with no VOCs or lower levels of VOCs.
Tips for Choosing Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Paints
•Don’t confuse “low-odor” with “low VOC.” Fumes from some VOCs can be masked to make a low-odor paint, which means that what you can’t smell still can hurt you. •Don’t assume that all low-VOC paints are created equal. Look for paints that have VOC levels of 150 gm/l or lower. •Realize that pigments, typically dissolved in chemical solvents, and other additives, such as mildewcides and conditioners, contribute to the relative toxicity of the final paint mix.
Chemicals to Avoid
•Ammonia: Used as a mildewcide and as a pigment solvent. Ammonia is an eye and respiratory irritant. •Glycol esters: Used as a solvent to help pigment mix more easily into paint bases. Can be absorbed through the skin and, with prolonged exposure, can cause organ damage. •Heavy metals (cobalt, cadmium): Used as pigments, drying agents or biocides. These chemicals are neurotoxins and also can damage the liver and kidneys. •Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate): Give the paint better spreadability. Can cause eye and skin irritation. They are toxic when inhaled or ingested. •Tolulene (methyl benzene): Used as a paint solvent. Tolulene can negatively affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart.
Pick the Perfect Paint
Here’s a list of some of the companies that offer low- and no-VOC paint. (Now all you need to do is find the perfect color for the master bedroom.)
NO-VOC NATURAL PAINTS Bioshield Paint (800) 621-2591 www.bioshieldpaint.com
The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. (978) 448-6336 www.milkpaint.com Sinan Co. (530) 753-3104 www.sinanco.com
LOW- & NO-VOC LATEX PAINTS
American Formulating & Manufacturing Enterprises (Safecoat) www.afmsafecoat.com Duron Paints (Genesis) (800) 723-8766 www.duron.com Frazee Paints (Envirokote) (619) 276-9500 www.frazeepaint.com lCl/Glidden (LifeMaster) (800) 454-3336 www.iciduluxpaints.com Kelly-Moore Paint Co. (Enviro-Cote) (888) 562-6567 www.kellymoore.com McCormick Paint (Natural Odor-Free) (877) 724-6855 www.mccormickpaints.com
PPG Architectural Finishes (PurePerformance) (800) 441-9695 www.ppgaf.com Rodda (Horizon) (800) 452-2315 www.roddapaint.com Sherwin-Williams (Harmony) (800) 474-3794 www.sherwinwilliams.com
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