Paint

Paint is one of the most commonly used and cost-effective finishes. Unfortunately, some paints have ingredients such as solvents, preservatives, fungicides, and pigments that may decrease Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and are a potential cause of health problems.

IAQ ISSUES:

On average, over 30% of commercial buildings have excessive IAQ complaints from their occupants, contributing to lowered productivity.

One of the primary concerns with paint is the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) level. (Volatile is simply a term for products that evaporate very quickly). VOC's come mainly from oil; most are intoxicants and asphixiants. Some of the health effects from VOC's found in paint are nausea, dizziness; eye irritation, headaches, and fatigue.

The VOC level is usually printed on the paint's container and is expressed as a percent of the net weight of the product.

PAINT OPTIONS:

Water-Based Latex Paints - zero, or low, VOC latex primers and paints with no aromatic hydrocarbons (organic solvent with benzene).

Natural Paints - originate from plant resins, ethereal oil, mineral fillers, pigments with citrus oils, or linseed oils. These paints generally do not use synthetic solvents, resins, fungicides, or softeners. Milk protein (casein) paints are also in this category.

Oil-Based Paints - generally contain higher levels of VOC's than water-based latex, but the VOC level is still generally low. They offer higher durability than water based latex.

Epoxy Paints - use only if required to meet performance standards. If still necessary, select a solvent free, high solids, zero VOC epoxy. Do not use paints with pigments or  tints of lead, cadmium, chromium, chromium IV, or their oxides.

Solvent-Based Paints - generally not recommended. Water-based options are available for interior, exterior, and high performance applications.

Locally Available Products (as listed in GreenSpec)

PLEASE NOTE: The GBA makes no representations or warranties as to the properties, merchantability, capabilities, or fitness for any particular purpose of any of the products described above. Each individual should consult their doctor if they have any concerns about the health effects of any particular product.