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![Adhesives
The risk with most finish materials, is
that chemical adhesives used during
installation can counteract the healthy
qualities of products that have been
manufactured to be green.
“Just because it’s [a sustainable finish]
made from recyclable material doesn’t
mean that it's good for your indoor air
quality... Paint, flooring, particle board,
MDF, wood system, hollow-core doors
-- the adhesives that are used can be
toxic.”
There are greener adhesives available
on the market, as well as products that
are made to require little or no
adhesive. Low or no VOC (volatile
organic compound) distinguishes](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/paintsfinishesadhesives-170511160257/75/Paints-finishes-adhesives-2-2048.jpg)
Uploaded byGaurav Chamoli
Paints,finishes, adhesives
A fresh coat of paint can improve a room but also introduce chemicals. While paints, finishes, and adhesives make home projects possible, they can release toxins. New regulations have led to lower VOC paints and greener adhesives. When choosing products, look for water-based, low VOC, and natural options to reduce chemical exposure and improve indoor air quality. Proper ventilation and disposal are also important.
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Paints,finishes, adhesives
- 1. PAINTS: A fresh coatof paint can change a room from dreary to divine. Stains, sealants, caulks, and adhesives help you build everything from a new bathroom to a bookcase. But all these useful products can also introduce unhealthy chemicals into your home and your body. Paints, Finishes and Adhesives
- 2. Adhesives The riskwith most finish materials, is that chemical adhesives used during installation can counteract the healthy qualities of products that have been manufactured to be green. “Just because it’s [a sustainable finish] made from recyclable material doesn’t mean that it's good for your indoor air quality... Paint, flooring, particle board, MDF, wood system, hollow-core doors -- the adhesives that are used can be toxic.” There are greener adhesives available on the market, as well as products that are made to require little or no adhesive. Low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) distinguishes
- 3. Indoor air isthree times more polluted than outdoor air, According to the EPA, is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC
- 4. CONSIDERATIONS: Most finishesand adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which outgas and adversely affect indoor air quality. Lower VOC and non-VOC products are now readily available from many companies. Low biocide paints avoid the fungicides and mildewcides typically added to latex paint to extend shelf life. These additives are considered harmful to indoor air quality and are specifically avoided by environmentally sensitive persons. Natural plant/mineral-based finishes and adhesives are available from a number of sources, though they’re still hard to find in many big-box stores. They cost 1 to 1 1/2 times more than standard products. Low biocide and VOC paints also cost more. Low biocide paints can spoil if not used quickly.
- 5. At home Airout. Provide proper ventilation when using any kind of coatings or adhesives. If you’re working on a small project, do it outdoors if possible. If you must work indoors, open windows. Dust masks don’t block VOCs; use a respirator specifically labelled for protection against paint vapours. Follow instructions. Always read and follow the directions on the product’s label for use, clean up, and safety. Seal in poisons. You can apply low- or zero-VOC clear sealants over particle board and other pressed wood products to seal in formaldehyde. Store safely. Store leftover paints, sealants, caulks, glues, and the like tightly sealed in their originally containers, preferably in a garage or shed that’s not attached to your house so fumes that leak from the container don’t enter your living spaces. Recycle it. If you have leftover paint that you don’t need, take it to a recycled paint collection site-contact your city’s recycling department for recycling opportunities.
- 6. When shopping, lookfor A water base. Water-based coatings and adhesives release fewer VOCs than oil-based or alkyd products, and the VOCs they do release are generally less toxic. But you have to pay more for them. In the case of paint, the healthier options can cost about $4 a gallon more than conventional paints of the same quality. The difference may be even greater when you compare premium-quality paints. Low VOCs. You’ll usually find the VOC levels listed on the product’s label. If you don’t, go to the manufacturer’s website and look up the product’s MSDS. Green Seal’s rule of thumb for interior paints and primers: VOCs shouldn’t exceed 50 grams per litres for flat paint and 150 grams per litres for non-flat paint. Recycled content (for exteriors only). Some companies recycle leftover paint. It’s a good way to keep paint out of the waste stream. In most cases, the VOC content is too
- 7. Benefits Health. Reducedtoxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities. Environment. Reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants. Effective. Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrub ability and hide ability (covering flaws on previous coats). Water-Based. Easy cleanup with soap and warm water. Little or No Hazardous Fumes. Low odour during application; no odour once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be occupied sooner, with no odour complaints. Not Deemed Hazardous Waste. Cleanup and disposal greatly simplified.
- 8. GUIDELINES 1.0 Low VOCpaints characteristics 1.1 Water-based paints Not formulated or manufactured with formaldehyde. Not formulated or manufactured with halogenated solvents. Not formulated or manufactured with mercury or mercury compounds or tinted with pigments of lead, cadmium, chromium VI and their oxides. VOC content does not exceed 250 g/l. Not formulated or manufactured with aromatic hydrocarbons. 1.2 Solvent-based paints Not formulated or manufactured with formaldehyde. Not formulated or manufactured with mercury or mercury compounds or tinted with pigments of lead, cadmium, chromium VI and their oxides. Not formulated or manufactured with aromatic hydrocarbons in excess of 10% by weight.
- 9. VOC contentdoes not exceed 380 g/l. Not contain any halogenated solvent. 2.0 Low biocide finishes Pesticides and preservatives are added to water based paints and should be in very low levels. Levels as low as 0.01 to 0.025% can be effective in preventing spoilage and not be adverse to health. Avoid formulations with formaldehyde. 3.0 Natural Finishes Typically require thinning. May require that colors be added by applicator. 4.0 Adhesives Select water-based adhesives. Companies supplying natural finishes often offer natural adhesives.
- 10. Types of Non-ToxicPaints and Finishes The term "non-toxic" is used here in its broadest sense. With paints and finishes, it's more a matter of degree. Even Zero-VOC formulations contain some small amounts of toxins. Here are three general categories of non-toxic (or low-toxic) paints: Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOC.
- 11. Natural Paints andFinishes - These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints is uncommon. These paints are the safest for your health and for the environment. Aglaia - plant-based natural paints and finishes for many applications. Available throughout the UK. No US distribution. (www.aglaiapaint.com) Livos - organic paint, stains, oils and waxes made using all natural ingredients. Coatings are linseed oil and citrus oil based, non toxic, low VOC and are designed primarily for wood. (www.livos.us)
- 12. Zero VOC - Any paint with VOC's in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be called "Zero VOC", according to the EPA Reference Test Method 24. Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOC's", but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC's. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low. Earthpaint - Nontoxic paint, wood finish, floor finish, deck stain. www.earthpaint.net Bioni USA - Zero-VOC paint, interior and exterior, containing nano- silver particles which provide protection against mold and mildew. www.bioni-usa.com ECOS Paints - Zero-VOC and zero ethylene glycol paints, varnishes and wood stains. All odorless, organic, non-toxic and non-allergenic. Also specialty VOC absorbing paints. www.ecospaints.net AFM Safecoat - Flat interior latex; semi-gloss interior enamel.
- 13. LOW VOC LowVOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum- based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC's varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS. Paints and stains, to meet EPA standards. must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Varnishes must not contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter.As a general rule, low VOC paints marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 g/L VOC threshold. Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified lower than 50 g/L (for flat sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen). Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC's. Benjamin Moore Aura - Low VOC, covers most surfaces in a single coat, durable, scrubbable. Benjamin Moore Saman - Water-based wood stains Cloverdale Horizon - Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior enamels Cloverdale EcoLogic - Low VOC, under 10 grams/liter. Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior.
- 14. VOC Absorbing Paints- These specialty paints contain an active ingredient that absorbs VOCs like formaldehyde. They remain trapped (cannot be removed) within the product indefinitely. They are: Atmosphere Purifying Wallpaint (APP) - a matt/flat finish wallpaint designed to absorb from underlying surfaces and also from the atmosphere in the painted room. MDF Passivating Primer (MDFP) - a base-coat/primer for man- made or remanufactured timer type products (like MDF and ply) which typically off-gas formaldehyde in particular. Anti-Formaldehyde Radiator (AFR) Paint - new hot water radiators can off-gas formaldehyde for many months (sometimes as long as two years). AFR traps this before it can enter the atmosphere. MDFP and AFR are remedial solutions for particular situations. APP is very commonly used over existing paints, or in spaces with new carpets or furnishings that are off-gassing. It is frequently applied to a ceiling (being a matt finish it looks like any other wall/ceiling paint) in cases where other items in the room are the cause of the problem.
- 15. Non-toxic Paint Strippers Most paint strippers are caustic - they work by melting the paint. The active ingredient, methylene chloride, is a potential carcinogen. A new generation of biodegradable paint strippers is now entering the market. They are water-soluble and noncaustic. Some examples are: CitriStrip - from Specialty Environmental Technologies, in Auburn Hills, MICHIGAN. Woodfinisher's Pride - from W.M.Barr & Co, in Memphis, TENNESSEE. Peel Away - from Dumond Chemicals, in New York. (212-869-6350) Remov All and Bio-Wash - from Napier Environmental Technologies in Vancouver British Columbia. The active ingredient in these products is N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), an organic solvent. Rather than burning or melting, the compound chemically changes the paint itself, softening it for easier removal.
- 16. Bird-Safe Painting Tips Petbirds can be hard on cages - often chewing, scratching or wearing the paint. They can ingest flakes of paint which can be harmful to their health, or can be sensitive to fumes from new paint.
- 17. Tips for lesstoxic, more efficient painting ~ Read the label and product literature: Besides general information, look for: VOC Content: Usually listed in grams per liter, this can range from 5 to 200. Using a product with the lowest VOC content will yield the lowest overall health risk. Solids Content: Solids, or pigments, can range in concentration from 25% to 45% by volume. The higher the percent solids, the less volatiles in the paint. EPA, OSHA, DOT Registrations: When a product has an EPA, OHSA or DOT registration number, this means that it contains toxic ingredients which must be monitored. One way to ensure that you are using a product that is safe both for the environment and the applicator is to seek out products which are not registered with these agencies. ~ Buy the right amount of paint for the job. Before you begin a painting project, measure the area first. Calculate the area to be painted (height x width = total square feet). One gallon covers about 400 square feet. ~ Re-use Turpentine and Paint Thinners. Simply allow used thinner or turpentine to stand in a closed, labeled container until paint or dirt particles settle to the bottom. Pour off the clear liquid and reuse.
- 18. ~ Avoid CleaningBrushes and Rollers. Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job. ~ Natural Brush Cleaner. Turpentine, made from the resin of coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning the brush, rinse with water. ~ Circulate. To reduce the impact of indoor air pollutants, circulate fresh air through your house as often as possible. Avoid the use of spray paints altogether. When painting ceilings, especially, be sure to provide cross-ventilation to remove paint fumes. Fumes rise as paint dries, and so with ceilings the fumes dissipate more slowly since there's no air above the paint. You can reduce fresh paint odors by placing a small dish of white vinegar in the room. ~ Store partially full cans upside down. Leftover paint can be saved for months if stored properly. Make sure the lids are well sealed, then store the cans upside down. This prevents air from
- 19. ~ Solidify oldpaint. Leftover paint should not be poured down the drain because groundwater supplies may be affected. By removing the lid, the remaining unwanted paint will solidify and then can be treated as solid waste. ~ Remember the BUD rule. BUY no more product than you need. Ask your retailer for help in assessing the quantity you need. USE up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbour or community organization. DISPOSE of leftovers in a safe, responsible manner.
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