Clean indoor air is something most of us never think about and with good reason, if it smells fine, does it not stand to reason it is fine? Well, what if you nose was a thousand times more sensitive and you lived closer to the ground where heavy chemicals lingered longer? Clean indoor air may not seem so clean after all!

 

Indoor Air Pollution: The Facts

 

Indoor air, the air most of us spend the majority of our time breathing, on average is two to five times as polluted then the air outside and in some homes, the pollution levels can be over a hundred times worse! Molds, radon levels, carbon monoxide, pesticides, pet dander, tobacco, smoke, and dust mites all contribute to these levels yet are basically ‘unseen’ by our sense of smell. We also mask bad odors and do not notice the pollution because we cover it up with air fresheners, use products that destroy bad odors, and blame anything overtly stinky on our pets. These only masks the potential toxins, however, their harmful effects are still present.

 

One of the most harmful, and yet most common, of these invisible indoor pollutants is paint. Paint continues to release low-level toxins, or ‘off-gas’, for years after application. Most household paint contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that were once essential to the lifespan of the paint but recently, with the increased awareness and demand from consumers and environmental protection agencies, manufacturers have started developing low and zero-VOC paints that match the performance of older, high VOC paints that we have used for years. 

 

Pets and children are more susceptible then adults to indoor air pollutants, as their bodies do not exhale as much of the harmful toxins per respiration. They also are closer to the ground where heavy chemicals linger and are less able to ‘step outside for a breath of fresh air’ whenever they like. Because of this, environmental allergies have increased alarmingly in both children and pets in the last few decades.

 

Pet Friendly Paints

 

They may be called pet friendly paints, but they are friendly to everyone, including the environment. Made with low to zero VOCs, these paints perform much like traditional paint and finishes without the harmful off-gasing.

 

Other benefits include:

 

• Reduced toxins benefit everyone in the home and especially those with allergies or are sensitive to chemicals.

• Low to zero VOC paints contain less ozone depleting contaminants and reduce chemicals in landfills and groundwater.

• Pet friendly paint is water-based, making for easier clean up with soap and water so spills are more thoroughly cleaned up and brushes, etc reused.

• Pet friendly, low to zero VOC paints have little odor during application and no odor once the paint has cured. Freshly painted areas can be occupied sooner without complaints!

• Low to zero VOC paints are not deemed hazardous waste so clean up and disposal is far simpler then with traditional paints.

 

Types of Pet Friendly Paints and Finishes

 

There are three levels of non-toxic, pet friendly paints on the market: low VOC, zero VOC and natural paints. These paints all have low levels of toxins and are considered healthier with almost no off-gassing once cured.

 

Natural Paints and Finishes

 

Considered the safest paint for both the health of your family and the environment, like they sound, natural paints are made from natural ingredients. They are the most gentle of paints for anyone suffering from allergies or sensitivity to chemicals and have almost no odor. Ingredients include water, plant oils and resins, minerals such as clay, chalk and talc. Colors usually come from plant dyes and essential oils. Companies that produce natural paints and finishes include The Real Milk Paint Company, Auro, SoyGuard and Green Planet Paints.

 

Zero VOC Paints and Finishes

 

The EPA states that any paint containing less then 5 grams/litre or less volatile organic compounds can be classed as a zero VOC paint. Watch for colorants, biocides, and fungicides in these paints, as these ingredients are not classed as VOCs but can still increase the off-gassing and toxic effects of the paint. Adding colorants to the paint can increase the VOCs but only marginally. Manufacturers of these paints include the Best Paint Company, Kelly-Moore Green Paints, American Pride, and Sherwin Williams.

 

Low VOC Paints and Finishes

 

To meet the EPA standards, low VOC paints cannot contain more then 200 grams/litre of volatile organic contaminants although many manufacturers put their own ceiling at 50 grams/litre. These products use water as a carrier instead of the petroleum-based solvents of many traditional paints. This means that off-gassing of harmful emissions is lowered but not ‘zero’ and they contain no or only very low levels of formaldehyde and heavy metals. Most large paint manufacturers have a low VOC level paint in their line up.

 

A Note about Ethylene Glycol

 

Ethylene glycol is listed as a hazardous substance and yet is still used as a solvent in most latex paints. The other major use of ethylene glycol? Automotive antifreeze (coolant) – one of the most common poisons ingested by pets each year. Avoid this lethal toxin in your pet-friendly home as exposure to its odorless, colorless gas can cause minor problems such as irritation to skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and lead to nausea, vomiting, coma, and respiratory failure. How would you like that off-gassing in your home for years to come?

 

Always Choose Pet Friendly Paint

 

Pet friendly paint and other construction materials are good for your pets, and your family. Low to zero VOC paint is one step towards cleaner air in your home and a healthier environment to live in.

 

Now, if we could just do something as simple to fight the hundreds of thousands of dust mites and mold spores living in our homes…!