green hudson valley NY - Paint safely with no-VOCs

Paint safely with no-VOCs

Last Updated on Friday, 04 September 2009 10:31 Written by GHV Editorial Tuesday, 01 September 2009 19:12

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Indoor air is three more times polluted than outdoor air and according to the EPA, is considered one of the top hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. no-voc-paint

While anyone who has ever decorated can attest to the nauseous fumes generated by paints,sadly most of us are unaware of the damaging effects that even just one coat of paint may have on our long term health. Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is the various volatile organic compounds (VOCs)which, until recently, were essentail to the performance of paint. VOCs are organic chemical compounds that vaporize and enter the atmosphere. VOCs include aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons and may be either organic compounds or mixtures of varied composition.

While manufacturers have been offering paints with lower levels of VOCs for decades, the good news is advances in technology have allowed for the development of "non-toxic" zero VOC formulas - paints that release no pollutants, and are virtually odor free. These paints are?made from natural raw ingredients such as water, milk casein, natural latex, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils.It's worth noting however, adding a color tint can reintroduce toxins and effectively raise VOC levels of "toxic free" paint to up to 10 grams/liter. Fortunately certain paint stores supply tints which are also VOC free. These stores offer non-voc pigments, which feature deep vibrant colors and color matchnig services just like regular paint - minus the toxins. Look for paints which are Green Seal Certified. (Green Seal certification is based on VOC content, the absence of chemicals, durability and performance among other criteria). Because low- or no-VOC paints have less odor and less impact on air quality than higher VOC-content paints, they are excellent for use in buildings where it is desirable to maintain good indoor air quality, such as hospitals, schools, or the homes and workplaces of those who are chemically sensitive. When using latex paints, clean up requires only soap and water. Since VOC emissions may contribute to higher ozone levels, use of low-VOC paints may improve overall air quality.

VOC Free Paint Benefits

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

Here?s a list of companies that produce or sell low-VOC and no-VOC paints, along with links to additional information about each product.

Local Paint Store Embraces the Green Way

Since 1955, Gervic Paints and Decorating Center, a family-owned business with stores in Middletown, Monroe and Chester, has been selling Benjamin Moore Paints. When Benjamin Moore created the Aura line of paints, current owners Terri Sardella Worden and Victor Sardella were glad that there was a lower VOC option. Now, they are glad to be able to offer their customers Natura paints which contain no VOCs in either the base or the colorants. Whatever shade of Natura paints one selects, there will not be any VOCs, yet it still dries quickly and has great coverage and durability.

Worden and Sardella have found that this paint is sought out by cancer and asthma patients, as well as new and expectant mothers. They have seen an increase in the number of customers who are concerned about bringing toxins into their homes and feel good that they are able to meet their customer?s needs by providing a product they themselves feel good about using. Worden shared how her daughter recently painted her toddler?s room while he was playing nearby.

Worden enjoys being able to educate her customers about green products. Recently, a woman came in who was having a new home built. As the woman shared with her the ?green? aspects of this home, Worden showed her the Natura paints and the woman decided to use that paint for the whole house. Carrying Natura was an easy choice, as Worden notes, ?We chose it because it is good for the Earth and we believe this paint is the way of the future. Everyone has to do their part for the Earth and this is one way we can help.? In addition to the paint, they also carry recycled plastic buckets, tray liners, bags, pails and drop cloths. Gervic Paints has locations in Middletown, Monroe and Chester. They can be contacted at 845-342-1079. GervicPaints.com

Low- and No-VOC Paints

AFM (American Formulating and Manufacturing) www.afmsafecoat.com

Benjamin Moore & Co. (Pristine Eco-Spec? ) www.benjaminmoore.com

BioShield Paints www.bioshieldpaint.com

Devoe Paint www.devoe.com

Duron Paints and Wallcoverings (Genesis Odor-Free products) www.duron.com

Home Depot www.homedepot.com

ICI Dulux Paints www.iciduluxpaints.com

Kelly Moore www.kellymoore.com

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company www.milkpaint.com