Paint It 'Green' - Environmentally Responsible Paint Choices
The ingredients used in traditional paints, varnishes and lacquers can do more damage than we realize. More 'green' products are becoming available giving consumers health-friendly options to home improvement projects.
Online, August 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Did you know that indoor air can be worse for you than outdoor air? We think of the obvious outdoor hazards to our health like vehicle emissions and factory pollutants, but we don't often think of what's INSIDE. Cleaning products, home fragrances and building supplies all emit chemicals that can affect our health. The long-term effects can result in allergies, respiratory problems, and some say even disease. If your home is ready for a fresh coat of paint, you may want to think about what you are putting on your walls!
There are more and more products becoming available with your health in mind. Paint companies are providing less toxic paints and varnishes that generally fall in to three categories.
1. Unearthed Paints
These products consist of natural raw products like water, plant oils, plant dyes and essential oils. These paints have almost no smell, and those that do have a scent can have a rather pleasant smell! It's unlikely to have a reaction to these products and these are said to be the best choice for the environment.
2. Zero VOC (volatile organic compounds)
VOC's are a variety of chemicals released as gases from certain solids and liquids. Traditional paints and lacquers have a high concentration of VOCs that continue to release over the years. Paints with VOC's less than 5 grams/litre can be called 'Zero VOC'.
3. Low VOC
Products considered Low VOC are water-based as opposed to petroleum-based. They also have lower levels of heavy metals and formaldehyde, or none at all. To meet EPA standards, paint must not exceed 200 grams of VOC's per litre, and varnishes no more than 300 grams.
Some may be concerned that natural paints, varnishes and lacquers may not perform as well or hold up as well as traditional products, but they can! Do some research to find out which brands have reported the best results. Choosing safer paint products is a step in the right direction to minimize your affect on the environment and make your home a safer, healthier place.
Greenworks Painting, the leading PDCA certified Painting Contractor in Chicago and the North Shore Suburbs specializes in these products and are familiar with the leading brands. Contact them at (773) 267-9111 or www.greenworkspainting.com to learn about how they can help you make the best choice for your home and your health.
