WITH countless products on the market, choosing the right building materials and finishes for any project can be difficult and overwhelming explains Rebecca Park of Paint Place Noosa.
Many homeowners are therefore, now seeking information on environmental and health effects of products in an effort to make choices that support the well-being of their families. Poor indoor air quality resulting from chemical exposure can produce a range of negative health effects including headaches, tiredness and lethargy, to more severe effects such as aggravation of asthma and allergic responses.
So it is worth being informed on what chemicals are present in the products you choose to put in your home.
Many paints contain nasty ingredients that can trigger negative environmental impacts and have serious health consequences.
Below are the health effects of some chemicals commonly used in paints.
Glycol ethers: used as solvents in resins and paints. According to the US Environmental Protection Authority, short-term exposure can result in narcosis, pulmonary edema, upper respiratory tract irritation and severe liver and kidney damage.
Formaldehyde: used in the manufacture of paints, glues and resins and a preservative in consumer products and can be a major source of indoor air pollution. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
Phthalates: chemical plasticisers used in the production of plastics, inks, paints and other products. Several phthalates are reported to disturb the endocrine system and act as a synthetic oestrogen causing deformities in male reproductive organs; premature breast development and breast cancer
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): poisonous chemicals that can easily evaporate at room temperature and can remain airborne for up to seven years. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, eye and respiratory irritation
Ammonia: often a source of the “new paint smell” that can linger for a long period of time after the job is completed. Exposure to high levels can cause irritation and burns to skin, mouth, throat, lungs and eyes.
A paint can be low or zero VOC and still include many of other toxic chemicals including those that mask the smell of the paint itself. To be sure your paint does not contain any nasty chemicals, look for independent certification by Good Environmental Choice Australia or other certifying bodies.
