Paint, stain, primer and varnish
- Choose paint, stain, oil and other finishing products that are recycled or natural
- Choose high-quality, VOC-free or low-emission paint and primer
- Eco-responsible suggestions for painting projects
Using good finishing products should improve the quality of the air in your home. To choose the right products, you need to pay special attention to product composition, since some kinds of paint, stain, primer and varnish contain petroleum derivatives and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they are applied and as they dry. Painted surfaces may even continue to give off volatile organic compounds for several months. These substances are toxic. They can cause coughing, dizzy spells, headaches and eye irritations. Volatile organic compounds also contribute to smog, which erodes outdoor air quality and especially affects people who suffer from asthma, allergies and cardiovascular disease. As if that’s not enough, many volatile organic compounds contain carcinogens.
Before you start getting ready to paint, make sure you consider your needs and choose the most environmentally friendly products to reduce the impact on human health. More and more options are becoming available that allow you to reduce resource use and waste production. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choices.