Non toxic paint

From CopperWiki

Non-toxic paints are also called Low-VOC, No-VOC, VOC-Free, odourless, odour-free and green, natural or organic paints.

[edit] Why should I be aware of this?

Hazardous chemicals and additives are among the least expensive and most widely used ingredients in the paints industry.

Many petroleum and water based paints and finishes contain toxic additives that are designed for a narrow short term benefit (such as killing fungus, mildew, or insects).
Most paint contains chemicals and compounds that are harmful to the environment and potentially harmful to our and our family's health.
Even "latex" paint, which is considered a safe alternative by most, contains some detrimental compounds.
Indoor air is three 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.
Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.
New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.

[edit] How does this affect me?

Using non toxic paints has many beneficial effects.

Health -- Reduced toxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Environment -- Non toxic paints reduce landfill, ground water and ozone depleting contaminants.
Effective -- Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrubability and hideability (covering flaws on previous coats).
Water-Based -- Since they are water based, it is easy to clean them with soap and warm water.
Release little or No Hazardous Fumes -- Non toxic paints release low odor during application and no odor once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be occupied sooner, with no odor complaints.
Not Deemed Hazardous Waste -- Since non toxic paints are not deemed hazardous, cleanup and disposal is greatly simplified.

[edit] All about non toxic paints

All paints contain three main components:

Pigment (colour)
A binder that holds the paint together
A carrier that disperses the binder.

[edit] Harmful ingredients present in most commercial paints

With many modern paints these ingredients are made using toxic chemicals that are harmful to both the environment and human health.

Cadmium
Lead
Chromium
Petrochemicals
Solvents
Benzene
Formaldehyde -- Some trade names for formaldehyde are Formalin, Formol, dimethyloldimethylhydantoin, Methanol, Methyl aldehyde, and Methylene oxide.
The distinctive smell of paint is actually dibutyl and diethyl phthalate - two very volatile compounds. This chemical concoction releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) into the air we breathe. VOC's are actually a class of carbon based chemicals that have the capacity to rapidly evaporate. Once airborne, many VOC's have the ability to combine with each other, or with other molecules in the air to create new chemical compounds.
Toxic, environmentally harmful, chemicals are also used in modern paints as preservatives, stabilisers, thickeners and driers.

There are several types of paints which fall in the non-toxic category.

[edit] Low-VOC paints

These tend to use water as a carrier instead of petrochemical solvents, and so their emissions are minimal.
Many conventional paints have achieved relatively low VOC levels.
No-VOC or VOC-Free paints may still contain very low levels of VOCs in their pigments or additives.
Although reducing VOC content is a move in the right direction, it is questionable whether either of these paint types can be considered non-toxic.

[edit] Natural Paints

Natural paints are the only true non-toxic paint since they contain no VOCs, and are made from natural ingredients such as water, vegetable oils, plant dyes, and natural minerals.
The main binders used in natural paints are: linseed oil (from flax seeds), clay, lime, and milk protein.
Lime and milk paints give an authentic period look, and are often used in antique restoration projects.
Chalk is used as an extender to thicken paint; turpentine (distilled from pine trees) is used as a solvent; essential oils from citrus fruits (d-limonene) are used as a solvent and fragrance; and natural mineral and earth pigments are used as colorants.

Main benefits of natural paints

Non-toxic - no hazardous fumes or harmful effects on health. This is significant for allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive people who are unable to tolerate chemical paints.
Environmentally Friendly - use renewable resources; are biodegradable, can even be composted.
Micro-Porous - allow walls and surfaces to breathe, preventing condensation and damp problems, and reducing associated indoor allergens. They are also less prone to paint flaking, peeling and blistering.

Disadvantages of using natural paints

Expensive --Natural paints can be more expensive because they are made on a smaller scale, although this situation is changing as they become more popular.
Natural paints can also take longer to dry (sometimes up to 24 hours or more,
There is less of a colour range to choose from.
Natural mineral pigments tend to produce paints that come in pastel shades only, and this has led some natural paint companies to use synthetic pigments to create a more extensive range of colours.

[edit] Labels and standards

There are no set standards for defining "non toxic"or "low VOC" or "eco-friendly labels. They are widely misused for marketing purposes.
To help consumers make informed decisions on their paint purchases, various ecological labels have been developed by different countries to indicate that the paint has fulfilled certain environmental requirements, in accordance with respective government regulations.
These eco-labels can be found as logos on paint cans, and include the European Eco-Label, Blue Angel in Germany, and Green Seal and Greenguard in the USA. *In the UK, VOC labels are used, and indicate the content of VOCs using one of five classifications: Minimal (0-0.29%), Low, Medium, High and Very High (VOC content greater than 50%).

[edit] Non toxic paint and the environment

Some VOCs are known contribute to stratosphere ozone depletion.

[edit] What can I do?

[edit] While selecting paint

Do a thorough investigation.
Know what the ingredients to avoid are.
Request required documentation like the Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) in the U.S. from the manufacturer to know all about the product and get answers for your queries.
Look for certified low VOC paint or zero VOC paint which has VOC emissions lower than 150 grams per liter (gm/liter).

[edit] Ingredients to avoid

Propane sulfone, widely used as a paint vehicle, has been identified as being a powerful carcinogen and can cause cancer on skin contact.
Watch out for paint ingredients like Toluene which is a common toxic solvent used in paints that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system when inhaled. Toluene may also be referred to as Methyl Benzene.
Another common pigment solvent and mildewcide is Ammonia. Ammonia can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation.
Phthalates or Dibutyl Phthalate are added to improve spreadability and are toxic to the eyes and skin.
Heavy metals such as Cadmium and Cobalt are added to paint for their biocidic, quick drying, or pigment properties. These heavy metals are known neurotoxins which may also damage organs like the kidneys and liver as may the Glycol Esters which are added to paint to help pigments mix into the paint base.

[edit] Application

While applying the paint, try having adequate ventilation. If ventilation is not sufficient, wear a respirator with a filter that captures gasses.
After applying the paint, there is a need to ventilate newly painted areas. This could be done with large fans placed in an open window. Outgassing is at its highest during the first four days after painting with smaller amounts emitted over time. VOC's also cling to fabrics and carpeting, multiplying the problem - so it is best to ventilate a freshly painted room immediately.

[edit] Performance

While deciding on the paint, go for a paint with high washability for bathrooms, kitchens and high traffic areas.

[edit] Price Range

Price of non toxic paint is comparable to conventional mid to high quality paint.

[edit] Caution

People with susceptible immune systems, elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from environmental allergies are especially sensitive to the effects of paint.
When repainting an older building, be sure to test for the presence of lead in the existing paint before sanding or other preparation work.

[edit] Unlearn

Even low VOC paint or zero VOC paint may not necessarily be non-toxic paint due to other toxic ingredients such as Toluene, Ammonia, Phthalates, Heavy Metals, and Glycol esters.

[edit] 90 degrees

Green versus Health attributes

Recycled paint - often found at recycling centers, provides the environmental benefit of keeping existing paint from the landfill. Paint recycling centers oftentimes consolidate similar colored paints to produce a larger quantity. This process increases the likelihood that the paint obtained from such centers has a high chemical content. While recycled paint may be an excellent option for one location - it may prove to be unhealthy for another. Avoid using recycled paint for interior surfaces.

[edit] References