Volatile Organic Compounds: How Safe Is Your Paint?
What are VOCs?
VOCs are harmful to everyone, not just children, and can be extremely harmful to the environment. So what are these VOCs? Volatile organic compounds are generated from cleaning fluids, paints, building materials, furniture, carpets, and tobacco smoke. It may be hard to believe, but there are up to 300 VOCs just within our indoor atmosphere. In fact, the air we breathe is riddled with airborne pollutants. Most of us spend a large percentage of our time indoors, and any doctor will tell you that good air quality is vital to our health.
VOC and paint
Unfortunately, paint is one of the biggest contributors to this type of indoor air pollution, and it’s wise to keep in mind that some paints can off-gas for up to five years after application.
In a study in the US, the EPA found that VOC concentrations in indoor air were 2 to 5 times higher than in outdoor air. Incredibly, during certain activities, indoor VOC levels can reach 1,000 times that of outdoor air! The EPA has also identified VOCs as carcinogens and highlighted associated health risks that include lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Similarly, an Australian study of the effects on asthmatics of exposure to a conventional water-based paint and a VOC-free paint concluded that the zero-VOC paint appeared less likely to cause worsening of respiratory symptoms than conventional acrylic paint, and that some asthmatics would derive useful symptomatic benefit from the use of Zero VOC paint. Increased exposure to VOCs from paint (eg among professional artists and painters) is known to cause permanent damage to the respiratory tract, nervous system, liver or kidneys.
Of real concern are short duration bursts of very high exposure, such as those experienced when painting or using solvents.
Ingredients and additives in paint
Many paint companies now designate certain paints as “low VOC” or “low odor” (NOT to be confused with non-toxicity!). Although low VOC paints are certainly much safer than conventional paints, they still contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs. And it’s important to note that “low odor” is not the same as “low VOC” because fumes from VOCs can be masked by other chemicals. Even ZERO VOC might not necessarily be non-toxic due to the presence of other toxic ingredients like ammonia, phthalates, heavy metals, toluene, and glycol esters! Ammonia can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation. Toluene is a common solvent in paints and can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system when inhaled. It is also known as methylbenzene. Phthalates are toxic to the eyes and skin, heavy metals like cobalt and cadmium can damage the kidneys and liver, as can glycol esters.
When you consider that many paints contain binders, pigments, fillers, extenders, thickeners, and additives, it becomes clear how many potentially harmful elements there may be in your paint.
product recall
There have been many recent product recalls as a result of high levels of lead and chemical compounds.
VOC labeling system
Although the impact of interior paints on air pollution is relatively small, most manufacturers now believe that the amount of VOCs should be reduced and consumers should have the option of using products that contain fewer VOCs. B&Q in particular introduced a labeling system in 1996, showing the VOC content of each paint product. Minimum -(Zero – 0.29%). Low (0.30 – 7.99%), Medium (8-24.99%), High (25-50%) and Very High (More than 50%). Between 1996 and 2005, the average VOC of paint sold at B&Q dropped from 191 g/l to 97 g/l.
Zero VOC, non-toxic, and solvent-free paints are often more expensive than conventional paint, but it’s worth the extra cost if you use products in your home that are safe for your children and respectful of the environment.
A breakthrough in glow-in-the-dark technology
Until recently, Zero VOC Glow In The Dark paints did not exist. However, July 2008 saw the successful launch of an innovative new glow-in-the-dark paint. The paint is a world first in terms of safety and, after rigorous testing, has been deemed 100% safe for both adults and children. Taking more than a year to develop the new generation of glow-in-the-dark paints is considered a huge step forward in paint technology.
The launch came just days after department store Harrods was forced to recall hundreds of souvenir teddy bears after tests found potentially harmful levels of formaldehyde, just one of a growing number of chemicals. and lead compounds found in the products, causing them to be removed from the market. market.
The new generation glow paints are zero VOC and have been developed by a leading scientist whose working life has been focused on Glow in the Dark technology. Now, for the first time, a glow-in-the-dark paint is available that is completely safe and formaldehyde-free. It is important to note that the new paint fully complies with EU toy safety standards EN71 part 3. The paint is also beneficial for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.