“Green” Paint is Not Just a Color Anymore
Until recently, “green” paint was a decorative effect perhaps recommended by an interior designer. It had very little to do with science and even less to do with the environment except for bringing nature to mind. Not so today.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), indoor air is three-times more polluted than outdoor air; it’s considered to be one of the top five hazards to human health. This unsafe situation is caused mostly by paint emissions and household sealants that continue to release dangerous emissions for years after application. These elements also deplete the ozone layer.
Paint manufacturers are scrambling to produce low Volatile Organic Compounds, (VOCs), or no VOCs products. Entire advertising campaigns are based on the promotion of environmentally friendly paints. However, buyer beware; things may not be what they seem. There are no real production or evaluation standards. Even”Consumer Reports” magazine has not settled on acceptable standards.
According to an article printed on RisMedia.com, “Everyone is advertising their paints as low VOCs or no VOCs. But buying green isn’t that easy. Advertising that appears to be eco-friendly can be deceptive. Although the can may say the paint is low in volatile organic compounds, some brands inject a hefty dose of these chemicals when the colorant is added at the store. And low or no VOC paints also can contain suspected carcinogenic ingredients.”
Eartheasy.com, a website that specializes in “ideas for environmentally sustainable living” says, “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.” Eartheasy.com has an informative article on the three new types of paint: Natural paints, Zero VOCs and Low VOCs. There is a detailed list of available products in each category; just click the hyperlink above.
What’s a consumer to do? Search the internet and do your homework. Read labels carefully and ask questions. Check to see if the Natural, Low VOCS or Zero VOCs product you are considering is certified by an organization such as Greenguard or Greenseal. Remember, there are no definitive labeling standards.
Trust your nose and beware “that new paint smell”; it produces symptoms including watering eyes, headaches, dizziness and escalates asthma. These are sure signs of dangerous irritants within the paint! Consumers are demanding alternatives; the times have changed and you, your family and the Earth deserve a healthier product.
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