Eco-Friendly Paints and Finishes: Non Toxic Solutions for Colorful Interiors

Eco-Friendly Paints and Finishes: Non Toxic Solutions for Colorful Interiors

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way to making a space feel vibrant and welcoming. Just as we make considerations to the sustainability and health impacts of our furnishings and home decor, paint should be getting the same attention.

Paint is made up of dissolved pigment that is carried in a liquid, which is known as the solvent. But in addition to these basic two components, paint often is made up of other ingredients and additives. Regarding indoor paint, there are two kinds: latex, or water-based paint, has water as the main liquid. Alkyd, or oil-based paint, uses solvents other than water as its primary liquid component.

Then there are VOCs, responsible for that chemical-y smell found in paints, building supplies, and even new furniture. VOCs, standing for volatile organic compounds, are what gets emitted in gas form from certain solids and liquids. This “off-gassing” process can last long after the smell of chemicals is noticeably there, even up to several years. VOC is an umbrella term for lots of different harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, d-Limonene, toluene, acetone, and ethanol, to name a few. VOCs are common groundwater contaminants, affecting the environment, but they also pose human health concerns, especially since concentrations of VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors, by a factor of 10.

VOCs are emitted by thousands of products. Indoors, they often come from household products like paints, paint strippers and solvents, wood preservatives, pesticides, cleaners and disinfectants, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosols, air fresheners, and automotive products. During certain activities—like paint stripping—and for several hours afterwards, indoor VCO levels may be up to 1,000 times those of outdoor spaces.

The effects on human health continue to be studied, but some of the adverse health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches and nausea; liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage; and some VCOs have been found to cause cancer in animals, and are suspected to be carcinogenic for humans as well.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Harm can certainly come from overexposure to VCOs, but there are ways to mitigate and minimize exposure. Here are five steps to consider.
 
1)    ID it: If you can, identify and remove the source that is producing VOCs. If this isn’t feasible, there are things you can do to minimize off-gassing, like using a sealant to cover exposed surfacing of paneling and other finished surfaces.
2)    Do your homework: Select indoor paints, and read the labels before purchasing, looking out for products that generate fewer harmful chemicals (i.e. opting for water-based paints instead).
3)    Follow the rules: Be sure to read and follow any safety instructions, warnings, and protective measures. Be prepared to use protective equipment like gloves, goggles, a face mask, or respirator. Only use household products as directed on the instructions.
4)    Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate: Increase the ventilation in the space you are working on when using products that emit VOCs. It’s a good idea to work only when the weather is dry so that you can keep windows open to increase airflow. You can place a box fan in the windowsill to direct chemical-filled air to the outdoors. Take breaks frequently to step outside, and keep windows open for two to three days after painting to let fumes out.
5)    Pitch it: buy paints and strippers in quantities that you will use in a shorter period of time. Properly close any leftover paint containers to try and prevent fumes from leaking out. If you have leftover product that you no longer need, make sure to dispose of it properly.

Now that you know what to look for and how to work with these products, here are some more details regarding what you should look out for when buying paints and finishes. The laws and regulations on VOCs change frequently and can differ across states, which can make it harder and more confusing to find safe products. The Greenguard label is widely trusted and tests for VOC emission levels. They offer a range of certifications, with the Greenguard Gold being the best safety indicator.

The federal government has a 250 grams per liter (g/l) cap on VOC content in flat-finish paint, and a 380 g/l cap on other finishes, like low-luster, semigloss, etc. In California, we have a stricter cap, at 50 g/l for all finishes. Although some VOC products may be banned or limited, other paints labeled as no-VOC or low-VOC may still have other, unregulated yet harmful chemicals.

This is where it can be helpful to look for paints labeled as being non-toxic or natural. Standard VOC paints also last longer between applications, require fewer coats, and go on smoother than lower-VOC alternatives, but the tradeoff in terms of human and environmental health still leaves you with non- and low-VOC options as the stronger pick. Water-based
 
low-/zero-VOC paints are less harmful than older generations of paints, but they still have the potential to off-gas harmful chemicals, which is why it is always important to ventilate and wear protective equipment when painting.

Natural paints and finishes are made from organic, raw materials, like plant oils, resins, and dyes; water, clay, chalk, talcum, milk casein, natural latex, beeswax, and mineral dyes. Natural paints may require a few more coats and a more careful application, but they are much better for humans and for the planet.

There are many factors to consider when making changes to your home, and paints and finishes are just one area where you can curb threats to your health and ensure a happy and healthy home environment.