Stick with Safe Paint

Image Gallery Andersen-Ross/Brand X Pictures/Picture Quest

Do It Yourself

By Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk

Before you pick up that brush, choose the right paints for lower health risks and less air pollution.

I have to admit that I like the smell of fresh paint. Having lived in a collec tion of motley old apartments and homes, I loved the way a couple of gallons covered over the scuffs and stains left by the last tenants and created a "new" living space. To me, the aroma of freshly painted walls signified a clean start. But as it turns out, what my nose didn't know could have been hurting me.

That "new-paint smell" is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a class of chemicals that evaporate readily at room temperature. These chemicals are found in some pigments and also are added to alkyd oil and (to a lesser extent) latex paints to provide certain desirable working qualities, like spreadability, or to improve durability. Low-level exposure to these chemicals may cause temporary health problems, such as headaches, dizziness or nausea. Higher exposure levels, such as with auto spray booth operators, and longer exposure times can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous or respiratory systems.

Chemicals to Avoid

Ammonia: Used as a mildewcide and as a pigment solvent. Ammonia is an eye and respiratory irritant.

Glycol esters: Used as a solvent to help pigment mix more easily into paint bases. Can be absorbed through the skin and, with prolonged exposure, can cause organ damage.

Heavy metals (cobalt, cadmium): Used as pigments, drying agents or biocides. These chemicals are neurotoxins and also can damage the liver and kidneys.

Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate): Give the paint better spreadability. Can cause eye and skin irritation. They are toxic when inhaled or ingested.

Tolulene (methyl benzene): Used as a paint solvent. Tolulene can negatively affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart.

Create a safer environment for
your family by using natural or low-
VOC paints in your home.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air. Outgassing from VOCs contributes greatly to indoor air pollution. Outside, VOC emissions react with other hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and sunlight to create smog.