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Going Green

Use Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Paint at Home

by Kirsten E. Silven 20 Dec 2010
Use Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Paint at Home

There are three main reasons that you should consider using eco-friendly paint in your home: It is best for the health of the environment, it is best for your health, and it is the best choice for your home.

Traditional paint is known to give off fumes. They are mostly toxic and can be detrimental to your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory diseases and/or a wide variety of other health issues.

Choosing a non-toxic type of paint that has been specially produced to reduce or eliminate the level of toxins is a sensible option for anyone. You can also reduce the risk of causing new allergies to form, as well as the risk of asthma developing in young children. In addition, you can help to reduce the presence of carcinogenic poisons in your home.

It is no secret that our environment needs less pollution. The petrochemicals involved in the creation of traditional paints can be harmful when thrown away irresponsibly. By using naturally based materials, you can reduce the amount of fumes released into the atmosphere during the creation of the paint, as well as the number of toxins that are released once it has been used and discarded. In addition, with non-toxic paint, the minerals and organic matter can be harvested in a way that sustains our environment for the future.

Even buildings will benefit by being able to breathe underneath the layers of eco-friendly paint. This can help wooden timbers, plaster and walls to move when necessary without damaging the paint, especially in very hot or cold temperatures. The paint will work with the surface, allowing it to move slightly as it expands and contracts. This reduces the risks of cracks in the paintwork.

Before you choose a type of paint, make sure that it is truly a 'green' product. Due to the nature of paints (especially gloss) it can be very difficult to make it entirely ecologically friendly. You can, however, make sure to buy products that are honest about the ingredients they use.

Search for manufacturers who are trying to keep the worst effects of paint to a minimum. Look for natural ingredients and non petrol-based oils. Be aware of volatile organic compound levels, and pick ones that use fewer acrylics and synthetic agents, even if it is only by a small percentage.

There are plenty of eco-friendly paint choices on the market, with more being added all the time. Ask for help to make sure you are buying a genuinely eco-friendly option. Beware of paints that use the term 'natural' on their cans, as this can be a way to encourage buyers to pick their products when all they are advertising is their color range and not the way the paint is manufactured.

Learn to read labels before buying to ensure that the volatile organic compounds are at a level of zero, or at least make up a very minimal percentage of the paint's content. Read up about paint companies to make sure they use natural minerals and ingredients wherever possible and steer away from petrol-based oils.

Paint is never completely organic, but you can begin to make a difference that can work to reduce damage to the environment and provide a healthier home.


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