Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 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.

Benefits

1. Health: Reduced toxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
2. Environment: Reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants.
3. Effective: Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrubbability and hideability (covering flaws on previous coats).
4. Water-Based: Easy cleanup with soap and warm water.
5. Little or No Hazardous Fume: Low odor during application; no odor once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be occupied sooner, with no odor complaints.
6. Not Deemed Hazardous Waste: Cleanup and disposal greatly simplified.

Types of Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes

The term “non-toxic” is used here in its broadest sense. With paints and finishes, it’s more a matter of degree. Even Zero-VOC formulations contain some small amounts of toxins. Here are three general categories of non-toxic (or low-toxic) paints: Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOC.

Natural Paints and Finishes

These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes, and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk, and talcum; and milk casein, natural latex, beeswax, earth, and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints is uncommon. These paints are the safest for your health and for the environment.

Zero VOC

Any paint with VOC’s in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be called “Zero VOC”, according to the EPA Reference Test Method 24. Some manufacturers may claim “Zero-VOC’s”, but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC’s. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low.

Low VOC

Low VOC paints, stains, and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC’s varies among different “low-VOC” products, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS.

Paints and stains, to meet EPA standards must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Varnishes must not contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter.As a general rule, low VOC paints marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 g/L VOC threshold. Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified lower than 50 g/L (for flat sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen).

Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC’s.

VOC Absorbing Paints

These specialty paints contain an active ingredient that absorbs VOCs like formaldehyde. They remain trapped (cannot be removed) within the product indefinitely. They are:

• Atmosphere Purifying Wallpaint (APP): A matt/flat finish wallpaint designed to absorb from underlying surfaces and also from the atmosphere in the painted room.
• MDF Passivating Primer (MDFP): A base-coat/primer for man-made or remanufactured timer type products (like MDF and ply) which typically off-gas formaldehyde in particular.
• Anti-Formaldehyde Radiator (AFR) Paint: New hot water radiators can off-gas formaldehyde for many months (sometimes as long as two years). AFR traps this before it can enter the atmosphere.

MDFP and AFR are remedial solutions for particular situations. APP is very commonly used over existing paints, or in spaces with new carpets or furnishings that are off-gassing. It is frequently applied to a ceiling (being a matt finish it looks like any other wall/ceiling paint) in cases where other items in the room are the cause of the problem.

Non-Toxic Wood Treatment

Exterior wood surfaces like decks, railings, raised garden beds, fences and outdoor structures can be protected against water and fungal-borne decay. New mineral-based treatments penetrate the outer layers of wood and form a barrier which serves as an effective wood preservative. For more information see Eco Wood Treatment.

Non-Toxic Paint Strippers

Most paint strippers are caustic – they work by melting the paint. The active ingredient, methylene chloride, is a potential carcinogen. A new generation of biodegradable paint strippers is now entering the market. They are water-soluble and non-caustic. Some examples are:

• CitriStrip: From Specialty Environmental Technologies, in Auburn Hills, MI.
• Woodfinisher’s Pride: From W.M.Barr & Co, in Memphis, TN.
• Ameristrip: From Safe Alternatives Corp, in Ridgefield, CT.
• Peel Away: From Dumond Chemicals, in New York. (212-869-6350)
• RemovAll and Bio-Wash: From Napier Environmental Technologies in Vancouver BC.

Consumers can help speed the development and lower the cost of non-toxic paints by choosing products which contain fewer hazardous ingredients.

The active ingredient in these products is N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), an organic solvent. Rather than burning or melting, the compound chemically changes the paint itself, softening it for easier removal. While considered an organic solvent, NMP is still has potential health hazards. While the toxic effects of MNP on humans have not been well studied, MNP is toxic to the reproductive systems of male and female test animals. Based on the animal tests, you should treat NMP as a potential human reproductive hazard. Pregnant women especially should use extreme care or avoid using paint strippers entirely.

These new strippers are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and they take longer to work.

PLEASE NOTE: Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy of the data listed on this page. However, a listing on this page should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement by Eartheasy.com.

Bird-Safe Painting Tips

Pet birds can be hard on cages – often chewing, scratching or wearing the paint. They can ingest flakes of paint which can be harmful to their health, or can be sensitive to fumes from new paint. If you’re planning on re-painting a bird cage, check out our page on Bird-Safe Paints for some helpful tips.

 
Tips for Less Toxic, More Efficient Painting

Read the label and product literature. Besides general information, look for:

• VOC Content: Usually listed in grams per liter, this can range from 5 to 200. Using a product with the lowest VOC content will yield the lowest overall health risk.
• Solids Content: Solids, or pigments, can range in concentration from 25% to 45% by volume. The higher the percent solids, the less volatiles in the paint.
• EPA, OSHA, DOT Registrations: When a product has an EPA, OHSA or DOT registration number, this means that it contains toxic ingredients which must be monitored. One way to ensure that you are using a product that is safe both for the environment and the applicator is to seek out products which are not registered with these agencies.

Buy the Right Amount of Paint for the Job

Before you begin a painting project, measure the area first. Calculate the area to be painted (height x width = total square feet). One gallon covers about 400 square feet.

Re-Use Turpentine and Paint Thinners

Simply allow used thinner or turpentine to stand in a closed, labeled container until paint or dirt particles settle to the bottom. Pour off the clear liquid and reuse.

Choosing to use non toxic, environmentally safe paints and stains can also greatly reduce the amount of toxins in the air, water and earth.

Avoid Cleaning Brushes and Rollers

Paint brushes and rollers used for an ongoing project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won’t dry because air can’t get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job. (This works for water and oil-based paints and stains. It does not work for varnishes or lacquers).

When you do finally wash your brushes or rollers, wash them in a bucket of water than than in the sink. Pour the used paint-laden water in a sealed container and bring to your local waste depot along with your empty paint cans.

Use Natural Brush Cleaner

Turpentine, made from the resin of coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning the brush, rinse with water.

Circulate

To reduce the impact of indoor air pollutants, circulate fresh air through your house as often as possible. Avoid the use of spray paints altogether. When painting ceilings, especially, be sure to provide cross-ventilation to remove paint fumes. Fumes rise as paint dries, and so with ceilings the fumes dissipate more slowly since there’s no air above the paint. You can reduce fresh paint odors by placing a small dish of white vinegar in the room.