There is a current trend towards limiting the production of solvent-based paints, replacing them with solvent-free or water-based paints.

The move towards safe paint has led to a noticeable improvement inindoor air quality从70年代中期开始，甚至在最近十年。但基于石化溶剂的涂料仍占市场上涂料的一半以上。Usingnatural paintis less dangerous to those who manufacture it, those who work with it, and those who live surrounded by it.

Paints are composed of:

  • A binder (or resin, that will serve as a glue or hardener).
  • A solvent (thinner) that dissolves the binder to keep it in a liquid form.
  • Pigments to add colour.
  • Additives to improve their characteristics.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds):

We grew to accept VOCs in our paints and not a lot of thought was put into why, or if they were actually necessary. VOCs are added by manufacturers partly to slow drying times, but predominantly to prevent paint from freezing during transportation. This process can be easily avoided with insulated trucks heated to just above the freezing point.

Off-gassing:

由于油漆正在干燥，最初几天的气味很明显。While smell may go away in a short time,the toxins in the paint will continue to be released for years afterwards.

According to the environmental standard Green Seal, “Paint emissions can continue for extended periods of time after application… (it is) estimated that less than 50% of the VOCs in latex paint (applied to a surface) are emitted in the first year."

Humidity levelsand air flow will not only encourage the drying of paint, but will also speed up the release of VOCs. Depending on these factors, it is estimated that standard latex paint will continue to off-gas for 3 to 5 years after application.

Low or Zero VOC paints:

你可能会发现油漆被宣传为“低VOC”，并认为你得到了一种安全的替代品，但事实未必如此。事实上，如果人们带着低VOC的涂料走出商店，以为这是一种无毒的产品，因此不采取安全预防措施，这可能会更危险。

低VOC意味着只减少25%或50%。That’s a‘healthy alternative’ the same way that low-tar cigarettes are. So yes, they are 'healthier', but still dangerous.

零VOC涂料现在很普遍，有各种颜色。请记住，添加到油漆上的颜料通常含有挥发性有机化合物，所以也要询问一下。你可能会多花一些钱，但与申请期间和未来职业期间减少的风险相比，增加的成本使它成为一项值得的投资。

Low or zero VOC paintsmay still include ingredients such as formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone and even odour-masking agents that cause indoor air pollution. If you are trying to prevent polluted indoor air, ask dealers about the specific contents of paints rather than simply walking away with the first can that says ‘eco’ on it.

Green-washingis prevalent in society now, so it’s all the more important to research products before you purchase them, specifically when it involves health risks such as potentially adding contaminants to your home.

Ecohome just completed buildingthe Edelweiss House, Canada's first LEED V4 Platinum Homewhich has exceptional air quality. To ensure toxins were kept to a minimum we usedNatura zero VOC paint from Benjamin Moore, which is also zero emissions but which has been superceded. Some paint companies will offer zero VOC paint but neglect to tell you that there are other dangerous chemicals as well as VOCs in the colourants. Be sure to enquire about this, Benjamin Moore is one brand we know that is entirely zero VOC in their AURA® WATERBORNE range. Also note that when building a home, rather than creating a need for paint in the first place, it might be preferable tochoose wood for ceilings rather than drywall.

Milk Paint:

Milk paint emits no fumes and is completely safe for children, pregnant women and anyone with chemical sensitivities. It’s usually a bit cheaper than zero VOC paint and offers a more rustic look than conventional paint.

Milk paint is most commonly available in a powdered form and needs to be mixed with water. There’s a little more work involved as the paint needs to be stirred for several minutes, strained, and left to stand for ten minutes to thicken before application.

Pros:

  • Completely non-toxic.
  • There is no need to prime surfaces first, though with the powdered version it is recommended to apply a bonding agent before painting. This should be available from the same supplier.
  • 比乳胶更容易被木头吸收，所以你通常只需要涂两层。
  • It’s available pre-mixed, but most commonly comes in powder form so you can mix small quantities.

Cons:

  • 它比传统油漆更需要劳动密集型。
  • Excess paint from powder cannot be stored. Only mix what you need.
  • It’s not always easy to find and you might need to order it online.
  • It only comes in a limited selection of colours.

Milk Paint Recipes:

If you really want to get back to the land, here’s a recipe for making your own milk paint:

  • 5 parts cottage cheese or dry curd cheese
  • 1 part hydrated lime or slacked lime
  • Mix hydrated lime with water to make a paste.
  • 加入白软干酪，搅拌均匀，静置数小时。
  • Select some powder pigments to add to the paste (pigment powder must be lime-proof).

Add more water if it’s too thick or add powdered skimmed milk if it’s too thin. If you want a really fine paint, you can filter it through an old pair of nylons.

Lime is another traditional and safe paint substitute. It’s an all-natural mix of pure slaked lime and water. Similar to milk paint, it’s a bit more labour intensive, but completely safe and not harmful to the environment.

As the wash is applied to walls, the lime reacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in a process called carbonation, and gradually returns to its original state of limestone.

When first applied it seems quite opaque, but will become richer in colour as it cures. Ochres and natural metal oxides are used to add colour. Rather than flaking like paint, colours tend to fade over time so it’s common to re-apply it every 5 years or so.

Limewash is commercially available, or can be made at home using traditional recipes, see the links provided below. If you want to finda recipe for home made natural VOC-free paint, see here.

Removing Old Paint Safely:

去除墙壁或家具上的旧油漆会对健康造成重大风险。砂定会产生很多空气中的有毒颗粒，所以如果你正在进行这样的项目，强烈建议你把它搬到室外(家具，而不是墙壁)，或在通风良好的地方，戴上口罩或口罩。

Paint strippers are pretty easy to use and fast acting. They will usually contain methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, which is a known carcinogen. Instant side effects from vapours can be nausea, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Read labels carefully and take the proper safety precautions. Wear gloves, eye protection and a proper respirator mask with cartridges rated for vapours. This is important - not all respirators are the same, some are specific to dust particles and won’t offer complete protection from vapours.

如果你担心你的墙壁上有含铅涂料，一旦涂上无铅涂料，它就被密封在里面，相对无害。除非你做了专业的手术，否则你自己尝试去除它会比简单地覆盖它带来更大的健康风险。

Non-toxic Paint Strippers:

Most paint strippers work by melting the paint, and as mentioned above the active ingredients that cause that reaction can be quite dangerous if inhaled. A new generation of biodegradable paint stripper is now entering the market, so if that is your preferred method, you may be able to find a safe alternative for paint removal.

Storing Old Paint Cans:

If you go into any basement, you will probably find at least one, if not many half-full cans of paint. Even if your basement is not a finished usable space, natural air convection will bring pollutants upstairs into your living areas.

While a brand new paint can might be well sealed, used cans have dried paint all over the lid and rim so a proper seal is pretty much out of the question. It’s hard to let go of leftover matching colours, but if you have a bunch of cans you are pretty sure you won’t use again, you should probably dispose of them. Municipalities and many big box stores often have set dates for depots where you can bring in toxic containers at no charge.

Non-toxic floor finishes:

A great substitute for varnish can be natural oils. Most products still contain some VOCs, but generally much less than varnish, and they can create a very durable and beatiful floor that can be much easier to maintain. Check out our page oneco-friendly floor finishesfor more information.

Formore information on eco-friendly paints and wood finishes, see here. From the EcoHomeGreen Building Guides

Indoor air quality and VOCs

Recycled paints

Finding safe paints: