Natural Interior Paint Options

Why Buy Alternative Paint?
The interior paints used in most homes today contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and other toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment.  Some symptoms of VOC exposure may include nausea, shortness of breath, nose and throat irritation, and dizziness.2

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has said that the levels of these VOCs are approximately twenty-five to one hundred times higher indoors than outdoors, and that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors.3

One way to decrease your family's exposure to these health hazards, and to use products that are "green" or better for the environment, is to use paints that contain no (or at least less) toxic compounds.

Three Types of "Green" Paint
Natural Paints and Finishes1 -
Made from water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils, clay, chalk and talcum, milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, and/or mineral dyes.
Contain no VOCs or harmful chemicals.
Water-based products give off almost no smell. Oil-based products usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils.
Allergies and sensitivities to these paints are very uncommon.
The safest for human and environmental health.

Zero VOC1 -
According to EPA standards, "Zero VOC" paints contain 5 grams VOCs or fewer per liter.
Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOCs," but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides that contain some VOCs.
Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low.

Low VOC1 -
These are water-based instead of petroleum-based like traditional paints, so levels of harmful emissions are lower.
Must not contain more than 250 grams VOCs per liter. Varnishes must not contain more than 300 grams VOCs per liter.
Contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde.
Amount of VOCs varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can.
Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOCs.

Paint Recycling
You can take further advantage of chemical recycling programs (and usually save money) by buying recycled paint.  There are two types of recycled paint products:

Re-blended paint is 100% post-consumer content. Originally available only in beige or brown, new technology now offers a wider variety of colors. Although the paints are screened and remixed, you're never entirely sure what types of paints have gone into the mix. Re-blended paints, therefore, can't be tested for wear or longevity, but they're perfect if you have a lot of area to cover.
Reprocessed paint is mixed with new resins and colorants to create a paint that performs about as well as new paint. Check the label for the recycled content: reprocessed paints can contain as little as 20% reused material.

The downside to choosing recycled paint is that you'll be using the older, higher-VOC paint, but you'll know that you're doing the planet a favor by saving resources and landfill space.

Paint Company Examples
Natural Paints1
Aglaia
Livos
Auro
EcoDesign BioShield
Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company
Sawyer Finn Natural Milk Paint
Silacote
Sinan

Zero Voc Paints
AFM Safecoat
ICI Lifemaster 2000
Kelly-Moore Enviro-Cote
Devoe Paint Wonder Pure
Ecos Organic Paints
Sherwin Williams Harmony
Frazee Paint EnviroKote
Rodda Paint Co. Horizon
McCormick Paint

Low Voc Paints
Benjamin Moore Pristine EcoSpec
Cloverdale EcoLogic
Duron Paints Genesis

For More Information:
Greenseal.org
Environmentalhomecenter.com
Metaefficient.com
Buildingforhealth.com   
Greenerbuilding.org

Sources:
1Eartheasy.com
2Greenbuildingsupply.com
3Epa.gov


Compiled by: Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
www.icosc.com
Interior Paint Alternatives