Surface finishes have long been central to the building biology movement. Unfortunately, many modern finishing products are harmful to both the environment and human health. It's particularly concerning when an otherwise healthy building is compromised solely by the use of these toxic finishes.
This article highlights the negative impact toxic paints can have on an environment and alternatives to think about for your next redecoration.
WHAT IS ‘TOXIC’ PAINT?
‘Toxic paint’ refers to paints that contain harmful chemicals and compounds which can pose risks to human health and the environment. These paints often include substances that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), heavy metals, and other hazardous ingredients.
Here are some key components that make paint toxic:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Pigments made from Petrochemicals
- Formaldehyde
- Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs)
- Synthetic Dyes and Additives
WHAT IMPACT DOES TOXIC PAINT HAVE ON THE NATURAL & BUILT ENVIRONMENT ?
Most common interior paints are acrylic based (meaning they use acrylic as their binder), made primarily from petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels. Acrylic paints contribute to the massive amount of microplastics in the environment, and making these paints is carbon intensive contributing to the climate crisis. They degrade air quality and when not disposed of properly can lead to water pollution, contaminating groundwater and harming the aquatic ecosystem. Here are some key cons of using toxic paint:
- Air Pollution
- Water Contamination
- Off-gassing
- Fire Hazard
- Harmful to Pets and Wildlife
WHAT HEALTH ISSUES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF TOXIC PAINT?
Toxic paints contain a number of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can imitate, block, or disrupt the function of the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system. These chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns. EDCs can be found in everyday items and exposure can occur through air, diet, skin contact, and water. While it's impossible to completely avoid EDCs, making informed choices can help minimize exposure and potential health risks.
Symptoms of exposure are:
- Allergic Reactions and Hypersensitivity
- Respiratory Issues
- Eye, Skin and Throat Irritation
- Headaches, Dizziness and Nausea
To minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals, it's recommended using non-toxic, low VOC, or natural paints, meaning you can avoid the harmful effects and contribute to a healthier environment and living space, free from negative additives like phthalates, BPA, and other known EDCs.
WHY CHOOSE NON - TOXIC PAINT?
In todays more health and environmentally conscious world, as public demand for less toxic, more environmentally-friendly and healthy alternative finishes is growing. Instead of paints being made from harmful chemicals and compounds, natural paints are being made from the earths resources.
Finishing products usually consist of four major ingredients: binders, solvents, coloring agents and additives. Binders are an adhesive, binding pigments together and attaching them to a surface. Pigments lend color and opacity to a finish. Solvents effectively "thin" the mixture of binders and color pigments, improving its workability. Other additives improve the application properties of a given finish.
The comparison below, helps you to build a better understanding of why toxic paints have such a harmful impact on the natural world and why non-toxic alternatives are a healthier and safer option.
Toxic Paint Non-Toxic Paint
Binder: Synthetic Resins Soil / Clay/ Limestone
Solvent: Water / Acetone Water
Pigments: Artificial Pigments (petrochemicals) Natural Pigments
Additives: Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) Minerals
In addition to using natural paints, it's important to consider the type of primer applied beforehand. Surfaces need to be primed before painting, but many primers contain harmful solvents and chemicals, making them toxic.
Often, companies that produce natural paints also offer compatible primers. It doesn’t make sense to use a toxic primer with natural paint, so the primer should be non-toxic and natural as well. Additionally, the stucco applied before the primer should also be free of synthetic chemicals. While stucco is typically made from cement, lime, sand, and water, synthetic additives are often included to improve its workability. Like the paint and primer, the stucco should also be free from petrochemicals.
5 REASONS TO AVOID ACRYLIC PAINTS & CHOOSE NON-TOXIC
- Environment
Non-toxic paints are better for the environment as they contain fewer harmful chemicals, such as (VOCs) and synthetic resins, which can pollute our air and water. They are made from natural, biodegradable ingredients, reducing the environmental impact during production, use, and disposal.
- Human Health
Non-toxic paints contain little to no harmful chemicals, such as VOCs, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term health problems. They improve indoor air quality by regulating humidity and absorbing toxins, making them safer for people with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities, while reducing exposure to harmful substances.
- No Off-gassing
Acrylic paints, while water-based, can still emit a noticeable smell due to synthetic binders and additives. Non-toxic paints, often made from natural ingredients, produce a much milder scent, making them more pleasant to use and better suited for indoor environments without the lingering chemical fumes. A number of natural paints can improve indoor air quality by sealing in odours from the subsurface.
- Longevity & Durability
Non-toxic paints offer higher performance than toxic paints in terms of durability, coverage, and longevity, depending on the formulation. Many non-toxic paints are designed to be environmentally friendly without sacrificing quality. Modern advancements in paint technology have made non/low-toxic highly durable, resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading, with strong adhesion to various surfaces.
- Compliance
Many non-toxic paints meet eco-friendly and green building standards, such as LEED certifications, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Several independent international non-profit organizations have developed stricter environmental and health standards for consumer products. US based ‘Green Seal’ have created evaluation standards for architectural coatings that have low VOC emissions and exclude 5 heavy metals and 21 toxic organic compounds.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, choosing non-toxic paints over toxic paints offers significant advantages for both human health and the environment. Non-toxic paints reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improve indoor air quality, and create safer spaces, especially for children, pets, and individuals with sensitivities.
They are eco-friendly, often biodegradable, and contribute to sustainable practices, while still delivering comparable durability and performance. By opting for non-toxic paints, you make a responsible choice that protects your health, enhances air quality, and reduces your environmental impact, all without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
You can find examples of paints that meet many non-toxic standards on the Healthy Materials Lab website in the following link Healthy Materials Lab | Interior Paints
Other recommended brands are:
-Volvox, supplied by Surface 11 in the Middle East
-Clayworks
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