[telegraph.hill]

We want to redecorate our kitchen by stripping off the wallpaper and painting the walls, but I am just wondering about some of the chemicals in commercial paints.

I have heard that there is such a thing as safe organic paint. Does it really exist? And if so, where can I buy it in the UK?

[cats3]

I don't know a specific site in the U.K. as I am in the U.S.A. but I can provide info re organic paint (e.g. paint with zero or low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)-
see list:
Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs) | An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | Indoor Air | Air | US EPA

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing -

Color Your Home Green
July 2006

Since you already devote a lot of thought to choosing the right color and finish of paint, stain, or varnish, don’t forget to consider the product’s environmental impact at the same time.

The most significant ingredients in this regard are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nine percent of the airborne pollutants that form ground-level ozone—smog—come from the VOCs in paint. The EPA advises caution when using products that contain VOCs because exposure to these compounds can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment.

In addition, many oil-based products contribute to further environmental damage because they are derived from petroleum. Extracting and processing this non-renewable fossil fuel contributes to air and water pollution.

Alternatives

* Milk paint is the most environmentally benign paint choice, but also the most expensive. Made from milk protein and natural pigments, it is an excellent option for furniture and small rooms.
* Low- or zero-VOC paint is the next best option. Water-based paints are composed of 5 to 10 percent VOCs, compared with oil- or solvent-based paints, which generally contain 40 to 60 percent VOCs. The nonprofit organization GreenSeal has created standards for low-VOC paints that are more stringent than those set by the EPA: a maximum VOC level of 50 g/L for flat paints and 150 g/L for non-flat paints. If the VOC level is not displayed on a product’s label, ask the retailer or manufacturer for a material safety data sheet.
* Natural waxes and oils such as vegetable oil, beeswax, or carnauba wax are good alternatives to petroleum-based products.

Disposal

What you do with your finishing/decorating products once your project is finished is a critical yet often overlooked decision. Follow the tips below to greatly reduce the environmental damage these products can do:

* Hang oil-soaked rags to dry in a well-ventilated location. Once dry they may be laundered for re-use.
* Paints containing lead, cadmium, chromate pigments, or mercury preservatives should be disposed of as hazardous waste.
* Water-based paints and small amounts (less than a cup) of solvents or solvent-based paints and coatings can be allowed to evaporate outside, then placed in the garbage. Larger amounts of solvents or solvent-based paints should be disposed of as hazardous waste.
* Stains containing wood preservatives are considered hazardous waste.

Related Links

EPA—Volatile Organic Compounds

EPA—Remodeling and VOCs

Healthy Home Plans—Non-Toxic Paint

Green Seal—Wood Finishes and Stains (pdf)

© Union of Concerned Scientists

Page Last Revised: 08/15/06

[telegraph.hill]

Thanks, cats, for this information. It makes my hair stand on end when I think of what goes into paints. Last time we decorated I didn't really give much thought to the safety of the paint.

I think I should be able to locate some safe paint in the UK.

[cats3]

Telegraph.hill - Please let me know if you can access the links.
I did find some international links that I don't remember if I bookmarked or mentioned them here. I will dig them up again, however.

I always wondered why it was that I would get sick when a room was being painted (even with windows open). Now, I will know what to avoid.

[cats3]

Perhaps listing brands of low VOC or zero VOC paints (and what each type of paint is best used for) could be useful for users of this website to see if the brands are available where they live or can be ordered online or by phone or snail mail.
What do you think Raptor?

[compass2000]

Hello,
Allback linseed oil paint form Sweden is completely Organic and is available in the USA.
Learn more: Solvent Free Paint: Old and new technology in combination
This paint has been manufactured since 1980
It is made from cold pressed flax seeds, cleaned and then made into paint.
This type of paint has a very long history and was extensively used 100 years ago before the chemcial paints were introduced. The Allback linseed oil paint does not have the problem with mildew because the protein in the cold pressed oil is removed. Mildew can not feed off the paint. It will last 50 years with inexpensive maintenance. You apply the cleaned boiled linseed oil or the linseed oil wax every 5-10 years.
If you want any questions answered, please get back to me:
e-mail: compass2000@att.net

Originally Posted by telegraph.hill

We want to redecorate our kitchen by stripping off the wallpaper and painting the walls, but I am just wondering about some of the chemicals in commercial paints.

I have heard that there is such a thing as safe organic paint. Does it really exist? And if so, where can I buy it in the UK?

[shadowbot]

Reading this just reminds me, the word "organic" isnt always a good thing.

Just think about VOC's Volatile Organic Compounds. They are organic. Yet you dont want to be ingesting them.