With a heightened awareness regarding the impact of chemical paints on not only the environment but also the health of human beings, the sale of non-toxic paint has emerged as a rapidly growing product. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon based and evaporate into the atmosphere. They are also considered to be a major player when discussing the reasons for climate change. A number of health problems are also linked to VOC’s including asthma, eye irritation, skin rashes and some types of cancer.
Environmental regulations are helping to reduce the VOC content and many of the large paint manufacturers offer at least one non-toxic paint alternative. There are also several smaller paint manufacturers who only market e-friendly products.
There are three types of non-toxic paint: Natural Paint, Zero VOC and Low VOC. Natural paints are made from raw, natural ingredients including (but not limited to) water, vegetable oils, natural minerals and plant dyes. These paints are the only ones that are truly non-toxic because they contain no VOCs. They also emit no hazardous fumes. It is most unusual to have anyone with allergies to show any symptoms when using these paints. Natural Paints are the most e-friendly, using renewable resources and being biodegradable.
The Environmental Protection Agency rates any paint with less than 5 grams per liter VOCs as Zero VOC. However, adding a color pigment to the base paint will increase the VOC to 10 grams per liter.
Coatings rated Low VOC contain no (or very low) levels of heavy metals and formaldehyde; and water is used as a carrier, rather than the usual petroleum-based solvents. EPA rates Low VOC as containing no more than 200 grams per liter. These paints emit an odor until dry and it is recommended that people with allergies use a Low VOC paint containing less than 25 grams per liter of VOC.
These paints contain an eco-label on the paint can (Green Seal or Greenguard) to indicate that they meet certain environmental requirements in accordance with government regulations.