Paint Safety Tips
What Are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which have short- and/or long-term adverse health effects. A common source of VOCs in the household is interior wall, trim and ceiling paint.
Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include1:
conjunctival irritation (red, irritated eyes)
nose and throat discomfort
headache
allergic skin reaction
shortness of breath
declines in serum cholinesterase levels (a chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses)
nausea and vomiting
nose bleeds
fatigue
dizziness
"Indoor air is 25-100 times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes." --www.eartheasy.com
Low-VOC Doesn't Mean Non-Toxic
We are advised not to use toxic paints, but to use the new, improved, low-VOC type because it contains "less" of the bad stuff.
By now, most of the major paint companies have complied with EPA guidelines by reducing the amount of dangerous VOCs to acceptable levels. But are these paints really safe?
Contaminants not considered to be VOCs still find their way into paint. For example:
Some paints contain ammonia and acetone, which are highly dangerous to human health, but are not required by law to appear on the label.
Fungicides and biocides are toxic chemicals used to prevent mildew growth. They may be good for the paint, but they're bad for your health.
These chemicals contaminate both indoor and outdoor air for five years or more after the product has been applied! Further, some paint companies, in their pursuit to reduce VOCs, have added more chemicals (usually toxic) to mask the offensive paint smell!2
Environmental Certifications
Green Seal, Inc., Washington, D.C., is an independent, non-profit organization working to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a registered trademark and program of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED Green Building Rating System 2.0 was developed for the U.S. Department of Energy to help guide commercial building projects in green and sustainable design. Many public and private buildings are now being built to LEED standards.
Chemicals To Avoid:
Ammonia: Used as a mildewcide to inhibit bacteria and mold, as a pigment solvent, and to help the paint "flow" off the brush or roller. Ammonia is an eye and respiratory irritant.
Crystalline Silica (beach sand): Added to paint for color or texture. Considered a carcinogen if inhaled (can occur when sanding or scraping).
Formaldehyde: Used as a mildewcide, especially in kitchen and bath paints. Formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant and probable carcinogen.
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 can also damage the liver and kidneys.
Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate): Used to give the paint better spreadability. Can cause eye and skin irritation. Toxic when inhaled or ingested.
Toluene (methyl benzene): Used as a paint solvent. Toluene can negatively affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart.3
Caution: Even low- and no-VOC paints
can contain these toxins
For More Information:
Greenseal.org
Eartheasy.com
Greenhomeguide.com
Sources Cited:
1Epa.gov
2Greenbuildingsupply.com
3Motherearthnews.com
Compiled by: Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which have short- and/or long-term adverse health effects. A common source of VOCs in the household is interior wall, trim and ceiling paint.
Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include1:
conjunctival irritation (red, irritated eyes)
nose and throat discomfort
headache
allergic skin reaction
shortness of breath
declines in serum cholinesterase levels (a chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses)
nausea and vomiting
nose bleeds
fatigue
dizziness
"Indoor air is 25-100 times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes." --www.eartheasy.com
Low-VOC Doesn't Mean Non-Toxic
We are advised not to use toxic paints, but to use the new, improved, low-VOC type because it contains "less" of the bad stuff.
By now, most of the major paint companies have complied with EPA guidelines by reducing the amount of dangerous VOCs to acceptable levels. But are these paints really safe?
Contaminants not considered to be VOCs still find their way into paint. For example:
Some paints contain ammonia and acetone, which are highly dangerous to human health, but are not required by law to appear on the label.
Fungicides and biocides are toxic chemicals used to prevent mildew growth. They may be good for the paint, but they're bad for your health.
These chemicals contaminate both indoor and outdoor air for five years or more after the product has been applied! Further, some paint companies, in their pursuit to reduce VOCs, have added more chemicals (usually toxic) to mask the offensive paint smell!2
Environmental Certifications
Green Seal, Inc., Washington, D.C., is an independent, non-profit organization working to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a registered trademark and program of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED Green Building Rating System 2.0 was developed for the U.S. Department of Energy to help guide commercial building projects in green and sustainable design. Many public and private buildings are now being built to LEED standards.
Chemicals To Avoid:
Ammonia: Used as a mildewcide to inhibit bacteria and mold, as a pigment solvent, and to help the paint "flow" off the brush or roller. Ammonia is an eye and respiratory irritant.
Crystalline Silica (beach sand): Added to paint for color or texture. Considered a carcinogen if inhaled (can occur when sanding or scraping).
Formaldehyde: Used as a mildewcide, especially in kitchen and bath paints. Formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant and probable carcinogen.
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 can also damage the liver and kidneys.
Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate): Used to give the paint better spreadability. Can cause eye and skin irritation. Toxic when inhaled or ingested.
Toluene (methyl benzene): Used as a paint solvent. Toluene can negatively affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart.3
Caution: Even low- and no-VOC paints
can contain these toxins
For More Information:
Greenseal.org
Eartheasy.com
Greenhomeguide.com
Sources Cited:
1Epa.gov
2Greenbuildingsupply.com
3Motherearthnews.com
Compiled by: Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
Categories
restore0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Paint Safety Tips.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.enrgpath.com/MT/mt-tb.cgi/24
Leave a comment