Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Paint
By Bill Reid, President
Did you know that the paint you use in your home is toxic? Indoor Air Quality is a primary element of green building and what type of paint you use can help. That “new paint smell” is a sign of a high level of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the paint. Inhaling these chemicals such as Formaldehyde can cause numerous respiratory and health issues. TODAY there is a SOLUTION but be aware.
To learn more visit www.RemodelWest.com/sustainability
(Text below accompanied with paragraph above is included in a “GreenPoint Spec sheet”.) This will be our first of many sheets on individual items.
The term “LOW VOC” is beginning to be used in many products but it can be similar to “low fat” in food when evaluating paint. Even many paints that use the term “No VOC’s” could have them in it. Here’s what you need to know and look for.
§ Low VOC paint is based on a standard white color. When any tint is added it can dramatically increase the level of VOC’s. The darker your color the higher the toxins.
§ Using NO or LOW VOC paints on the exterior will no perform as well and could develop mold or fungus due to the elimination of fungicides.
§ When you use the right product interior LOW VOC wall paints can be as tough if not tougher than regular toxic paints.
§ Using NO or LOW VOC paints on your interior trim may not appear as desirable or wear as well.
§ Using a standard primer on your walls and painting over it with LOW VOC paint defeats the purpose. Talk to your painter about alternative primers that conform to LOW VOC standards. This is a larger obstacle than discovering quality LOW VOC paints.
§ Visit www.benjaminmoore.com and learn about the new Natura and Auroa lines of paint.
