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How Eco-Friendly Painting Protects Your Health Everyone’s dealt with the headaches of that “new paint” smell, but did you know that it’s a health hazard? It’s true! VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds found in traditional paints can lead to a vast array of health problems – and while the risks do lower once the paint has dried, it can take up to 6 years after the paint dries for emission levels to drop to a safe level. Green paint isn’t just about cleaner, more efficient job sites, construction and remodeling, it’s better for you too! Here we’ll talk about what you need to look for in local painting contractors who have gone green, so let’s get started. What are VOCs? VOCs, or volatile organic compounds are solvent additives that give paint that beautiful sheen; they also produce harmful emissions that have been linked to headaches, dizziness; liver, kidney and other organ damage as well as some cancers. While paints high in VOCs are cheaper (anywhere from $10 per gallon to $35 per gallon), their health implications aren’t so good. This summer the EPA is expected to tighten controls on oil based and latex paints containing higher levels of VOCs, which means the whole industry is about to get a whole lot greener. Made with Milk Several new kinds of low-VOC organic paints are actually made with milk as a base and “gas off” much less than their traditional oil or latex water-based paints. While it may take an extra coat or two to get the same coverage with the organic paint, the benefits are worth it. You get a happy healthy home for years to come and you don’t have to worry about a lengthy VOC “gas off” period that can aggravate allergies, asthma or other conditions. Is Green Painting Right for You? Even if you aren’t environmentally conscious, it never hurts to be concerned about your health! If you can get the same results, the same color, the same great look with paints that won’t affect your health, why not? When looking for green painting contractors, you’ll want to apply all the same criteria you’d look for in a normal contractor. Ask them for a list of materials they use in a green painting job, as well as any special training they’ve received in this area. Ask for local referrals that you can talk to, or drop by and see what kind of work they do. Do your research, ask questions and get multiple estimates from different interior painting contractor professionals in your area.
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