Sustainable painting, interior and exterior, Reduction of VOC's to minimize the health effects.

1. PAINTS:
A fresh coat of paint can change a
room from dreary to divine. Stains,
sealants, caulks, and adhesives help
you build everything from a new
bathroom to a bookcase. But all these
useful products can also introduce
unhealthy chemicals into your home
and your body.
Paints, Finishes and Adhesives

2. Adhesives
 The risk with most finish materials, is
that chemical adhesives used during
installation can counteract the healthy
qualities of products that have been
manufactured to be green.
 “Just because it’s [a sustainable finish]
made from recyclable material doesn’t
mean that it's good for your indoor air
quality... Paint, flooring, particle board,
MDF, wood system, hollow-core doors
-- the adhesives that are used can be
toxic.”
 There are greener adhesives available
on the market, as well as products that
are made to require little or no
adhesive. Low or no VOC (volatile
organic compound) distinguishes

3. Indoor air is three times
more polluted than
outdoor air,
 According to the EPA, is considered one of the top 5
hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are
among the leading causes.
 Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions
into the air for years after application. The source of
these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) which, until recently, were essential to the
performance of the paint.
 New environmental regulations, and consumer
demand, have led to the development of low-VOC
and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint
manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC

4. CONSIDERATIONS:
 Most finishes and adhesives contain volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) which outgas and adversely
affect indoor air quality. Lower VOC and non-VOC
products are now readily available from many
companies.
 Low biocide paints avoid the fungicides and
mildewcides typically added to latex paint to extend
shelf life. These additives are considered harmful to
indoor air quality and are specifically avoided by
environmentally sensitive persons.
 Natural plant/mineral-based finishes and adhesives
are available from a number of sources, though
they’re still hard to find in many big-box stores. They
cost 1 to 1 1/2 times more than standard products.
Low biocide and VOC paints also cost more. Low
biocide paints can spoil if not used quickly.

5. At home
 Air out. Provide proper ventilation when using any kind of
coatings or adhesives. If you’re working on a small project, do it
outdoors if possible. If you must work indoors, open windows.
Dust masks don’t block VOCs; use a respirator specifically
labelled for protection against paint vapours.
 Follow instructions. Always read and follow the directions on
the product’s label for use, clean up, and safety.
 Seal in poisons. You can apply low- or zero-VOC clear sealants
over particle board and other pressed wood products to seal
in formaldehyde.
 Store safely. Store leftover paints, sealants, caulks, glues, and
the like tightly sealed in their originally containers, preferably in a
garage or shed that’s not attached to your house so fumes that
leak from the container don’t enter your living spaces.
 Recycle it. If you have leftover paint that you don’t need, take it
to a recycled paint collection site-contact your city’s recycling
department for recycling opportunities.

6. When shopping, look for
 A water base. Water-based coatings and adhesives
release fewer VOCs than oil-based or alkyd products, and
the VOCs they do release are generally less toxic. But you
have to pay more for them. In the case of paint, the
healthier options can cost about $4 a gallon more than
conventional paints of the same quality. The difference
may be even greater when you compare premium-quality
paints.
 Low VOCs. You’ll usually find the VOC levels listed on the
product’s label. If you don’t, go to the manufacturer’s
website and look up the product’s MSDS. Green Seal’s
rule of thumb for interior paints and primers: VOCs
shouldn’t exceed 50 grams per litres for flat paint and 150
grams per litres for non-flat paint.
 Recycled content (for exteriors only). Some companies
recycle leftover paint. It’s a good way to keep paint out of
the waste stream. In most cases, the VOC content is too

7. 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,
scrub ability and hide ability (covering flaws on previous coats).
 Water-Based. Easy cleanup with soap and warm water.
 Little or No Hazardous Fumes. Low odour during application;
no odour once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be
occupied sooner, with no odour complaints.
 Not Deemed Hazardous Waste. Cleanup and disposal greatly
simplified.

8. GUIDELINES
1.0 Low VOC paints characteristics
1.1 Water-based paints
 Not formulated or manufactured with formaldehyde.
 Not formulated or manufactured with halogenated solvents.
 Not formulated or manufactured with mercury or mercury
compounds or tinted with pigments of lead, cadmium, chromium
VI and their oxides.
 VOC content does not exceed 250 g/l.
 Not formulated or manufactured with aromatic hydrocarbons.
1.2 Solvent-based paints
 Not formulated or manufactured with formaldehyde.
 Not formulated or manufactured with mercury or mercury
compounds or tinted with pigments of lead, cadmium, chromium
VI and their oxides.
 Not formulated or manufactured with aromatic hydrocarbons in
excess of 10% by weight.

9.  VOC content does not exceed 380 g/l.
 Not contain any halogenated solvent.
 2.0 Low biocide finishes
 Pesticides and preservatives are added to water based paints
and should be in very low levels. Levels as low as 0.01 to
0.025% can be effective in preventing spoilage and not be
adverse to health.
 Avoid formulations with formaldehyde.
 3.0 Natural Finishes
 Typically require thinning.
 May require that colors be added by applicator.
 4.0 Adhesives
 Select water-based adhesives.
 Companies supplying natural finishes often offer natural
adhesives.

10. Types of Non-Toxic Paints and
Finishes
 The term "non-toxic" is used here in its broadest
sense. With paints and finishes, it's more a matter of
degree. Even Zero-VOC formulations contain some
small amounts of toxins. Here are three general
categories of non-toxic (or low-toxic) paints:
 Natural Paints,
 Zero VOC,
 and Low VOC.

11. Natural Paints and Finishes -
 These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as
water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural
minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural
latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural
paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints
usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils.
Allergies and sensitivities to these paints is uncommon. These
paints are the safest for your health and for the environment.
 Aglaia - plant-based natural paints and finishes for many
applications. Available throughout the UK. No US distribution.
(www.aglaiapaint.com)
 Livos - organic paint, stains, oils and waxes made using all
natural ingredients. Coatings are linseed oil and citrus oil
based, non toxic, low VOC and are designed primarily for
wood. (www.livos.us)

12. Zero VOC -
 Any paint with VOC's in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be
called "Zero VOC", according to the EPA Reference Test Method 24.
Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOC's", but these paints may
still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC's.
Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter,
which is still quite low.
 Earthpaint - Nontoxic paint, wood finish, floor finish, deck stain.
www.earthpaint.net
 Bioni USA - Zero-VOC paint, interior and exterior, containing nano-
silver particles which provide protection against mold and mildew.
www.bioni-usa.com
 ECOS Paints - Zero-VOC and zero ethylene glycol paints, varnishes
and wood stains. All odorless, organic, non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Also specialty VOC absorbing paints. www.ecospaints.net
 AFM Safecoat - Flat interior latex; semi-gloss interior enamel.

13. LOW VOC
 Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-
based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne
surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy
metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC's varies among different "low-VOC"
products, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS. Paints and stains, to meet EPA
standards. must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Varnishes must not
contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter.As a general rule, low VOC paints
marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 g/L VOC
threshold. Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified lower than 50
g/L (for flat sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen).
Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make
sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC's.
 Benjamin Moore Aura - Low VOC, covers most surfaces in a single coat, durable,
scrubbable.
 Benjamin Moore Saman - Water-based wood stains
 Cloverdale Horizon - Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior enamels
 Cloverdale EcoLogic - Low VOC, under 10 grams/liter. Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss
interior.

14. VOC Absorbing Paints -
 These specialty paints contain an active ingredient that absorbs
VOCs like formaldehyde. They remain trapped (cannot be removed)
within the product indefinitely. They are:
 Atmosphere Purifying Wallpaint (APP) - a matt/flat finish wallpaint
designed to absorb from underlying surfaces and also from the
atmosphere in the painted room.
 MDF Passivating Primer (MDFP) - a base-coat/primer for man-
made or remanufactured timer type products (like MDF and ply)
which typically off-gas formaldehyde in particular.
 Anti-Formaldehyde Radiator (AFR) Paint - new hot water radiators
can off-gas formaldehyde for many months (sometimes as long as
two years). AFR traps this before it can enter the atmosphere.
MDFP and AFR are remedial solutions for particular situations. APP
is very commonly used over existing paints, or in spaces with new
carpets or furnishings that are off-gassing. It is frequently applied to a
ceiling (being a matt finish it looks like any other wall/ceiling paint) in
cases where other items in the room are the cause of the problem.

15. Non-toxic Paint Strippers
 Most paint strippers are caustic - they work by melting the paint. The
active ingredient, methylene chloride, is a potential carcinogen. A new
generation of biodegradable paint strippers is now entering the market.
They are water-soluble and noncaustic. Some examples are:
 CitriStrip - from Specialty Environmental Technologies, in Auburn Hills,
MICHIGAN.
 Woodfinisher's Pride - from W.M.Barr & Co, in Memphis,
TENNESSEE.
 Peel Away - from Dumond Chemicals, in New York. (212-869-6350)
 Remov All and Bio-Wash - from Napier Environmental Technologies in
Vancouver British Columbia.
The active ingredient in these products is N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP),
an organic solvent. Rather than burning or melting, the compound
chemically changes the paint itself, softening it for easier removal.

16. Bird-Safe Painting Tips
Pet birds can be hard on
cages - often chewing,
scratching or wearing the
paint. They can ingest flakes
of paint which can be harmful
to their health, or can be
sensitive to fumes from new
paint.

17. Tips for less toxic, more efficient
painting
~ Read the label and product literature: Besides general information, look for:
 VOC Content: Usually listed in grams per liter, this can range from 5 to 200.
Using a product with the lowest VOC content will yield the lowest overall health
risk.
 Solids Content: Solids, or pigments, can range in concentration from 25% to
45% by volume. The higher the percent solids, the less volatiles in the paint.
 EPA, OSHA, DOT Registrations: When a product has an EPA, OHSA or DOT
registration number, this means that it contains toxic ingredients which must be
monitored. One way to ensure that you are using a product that is safe both for
the environment and the applicator is to seek out products which are not
registered with these agencies.
~ Buy the right amount of paint for the job. Before you begin a painting project,
measure the area first. Calculate the area to be painted (height x width = total
square feet). One gallon covers about 400 square feet.
~ Re-use Turpentine and Paint Thinners. Simply allow used thinner or turpentine
to stand in a closed, labeled container until paint or dirt particles settle to the
bottom. Pour off the clear liquid and reuse.

18. ~ Avoid Cleaning Brushes and Rollers. Paint brushes and rollers
used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up
to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller
snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze
out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry
because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the
next day and continue with the job.
~ Natural Brush Cleaner. Turpentine, made from the resin of
coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is
excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for
cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than
the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning
the brush, rinse with water.
~ Circulate. To reduce the impact of indoor air pollutants, circulate
fresh air through your house as often as possible. Avoid the use
of spray paints altogether. When painting ceilings, especially, be
sure to provide cross-ventilation to remove paint fumes. Fumes
rise as paint dries, and so with ceilings the fumes dissipate more
slowly since there's no air above the paint. You can reduce fresh
paint odors by placing a small dish of white vinegar in the room.
~ Store partially full cans upside down. Leftover paint can be
saved for months if stored properly. Make sure the lids are well
sealed, then store the cans upside down. This prevents air from

19. ~ Solidify old paint. Leftover paint should not be
poured down the drain because groundwater supplies
may be affected. By removing the lid, the remaining
unwanted paint will solidify and then can be treated as
solid waste.
~ Remember the BUD rule.
BUY no more product than you need. Ask your
retailer for help in assessing the quantity you need.
USE up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a
neighbour or community organization.
DISPOSE of leftovers in a safe, responsible manner.

20. Submitted by:
Gaurav Chamoli
SEMT_58