Eco-Friendly Paint for a Healthy Environment
Green Paints a Healthier Choice for Clean Air Quality
Jun 14, 2009
Eco-friendly paints are paints with fewer toxic chemicals than the commonly used latex and oil based paints. The majority of people are not bothered by the smell of fresh paint, but there is a segment of the population that becomes severely sick when exposed to the fumes that come off of that paint smell. Eco-friendly paints are natural, Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or Zero-VOC.
Eco Friendly Paint a Healthy Choice
The advent of eco friendly paints has been slow but they are starting to become more popular and people become more environmentally aware. Eco-friendly paints are less likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people although there is no guarantee that there will be no reaction.
Latex paint contains Formalyn, a commonly used chemical that can cause allergic reaction to sensitive people. The chemical can cause severe allergic reactions with serious health consequences for people who have multiple chemical sensitivities.
Purchasing Eco Friendly Paint
Many paint stores do not carry eco-friendly paints on the shelf, but they may be willing to special order. Eco friendly paints are only a very small part of the market for them and are not in demand by many consumers.
There are reasons that eco friendly paint is not more popular. The environmentally friendly paints are much more expensive than latex or oil based paints. Coverage can also be a problem, as the eco friendly brands do not cover as well as regular paint. The painter will probably have to use two to three coats for good coverage. Not only is the paint more expensive purchase, but more paint is needed. The cost factor can make the cost of painting prohibitive. .
Consumers who want eco friendly paints should be proactive in searching for the paints. Many paint salespeople are not especially knowledgeable about natural, Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paints. That leaves it up to the consumer to research in advance and be prepared to as the salesperson very specifically for less toxic paints.
Calling ahead and asking the store if they carry specific brands of paint can save a time, legwork and gas. Why waste a trip if they store will not be able to provide eco friendly paint.
Natural, Low VOC and Zero VOC Paint for Clean Air
Consumers should look for paints that are natural, Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or Zero VOC. Low VOC paints reduce the level of toxins released into the air.
Some of the better known natural paints are Auro, Eco Design (formerly Livos) and the Real Milk Paint Company. Many of the major paint companies, such as Benjamin Moore, carry lines of Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paints, but the paint store may have to special order them.
Painting with eco friendly paint takes extra time and research just to find the paint itself. The paint may not cover as well, so more coats of paint may be needed. Eco-friendly paints may not be sitting on the store shelf but can probably be special ordered by the store upon specific request. Therefore a paint project requires some advance planning just to have the correct supplies.
Painting with an eco friendly paint is safer for the environment than most commonly used paints. Eco friendly paints are less toxic and less likely to cause allergic reactions in people with multiple chemical sensitivities, meaning that the air is healthier for everyone. Painting with eco friendly paint takes a special effort, but pays off in better health and a healthier environment.
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