Buy the best paint for the environment
Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, are pollutants found in a number of household substances. They are defined by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency as carbon-containing chemical compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions. In terms that we can all understand, a VOC is anything that evaporates and causes air pollution. Common examples of products that emit VOCs include gasoline, mineral spirits, alcohol, acetone, ethylene glycol, nail polish and paint. Most architectural paint and coatings contain some VOCs. With oil-based products, the paint thinner is a VOC. With shellacs, the alcohol is a VOC. With water-based, or latex paints, the water is not a VOC, but some additives are. Typically several percent of the additives are VOCs. Water, resin and pigment found in paints are not considered VOCs, but solvents used in inks and associated products are the main concern to the coatings industry. Solvents have the ability to evaporate and meet the criteria of an air pollutant. Examples of VOCs are xylene, toluene, lacquer thinner and paint thinner. Large industry and transportation are responsible for the majority of VOC emissions, and lawmakers have been regulating VOC emissions from these sources for many years. Recently, however, lawmakers have also begun to regulate smaller sources, including paint and coating manufacturers. California was the first state to pass regulations that limit VOC content in paint and coatings. Because as the paint film is drying, VOCs evaporate into the air and can contribute to low-level smog generation. Other states are now doing the same. Still, the amount of VOCs coming from paint and coatings is extremely small when compared to those coming from auto and electric power emissions, and even from, pine trees and cows. Ordinary Acrylic Latex wall paints are relatively Low Odor, but they are not Low VOC. A true Low VOC paint will not upset a person that has breathing difficulties whereas an ordinary acrylic latex wall paint can sometimes cause problems. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more Low-VOC Low Odor paints. These new paints are very durable, cost-effective, and less harmful to human and environmental health. Typical applications for Low VOC paints include painting in areas where people are present at that time. Situations include but are not limited to office settings, work place settings, school and classroom settings, health care settings such as hospitals, doctor offices, nursing homes, and retirement centers. Low VOC/Low Odor coatings allow you to paint around people without having to vacate the premises or paint at night when the offices are empty. Homebuilders & Homeowners that want to purchase and use “Environmentally Friendly” / “Green” Paints & Coatings are another large and popular user of Low VOC/Low Odor Coatings. Anti-microbial paint Another way to reduced interior air pollutants is to invest in a mold- or mildew-resistant paint. Microbes or microorganisms are tiny living cells that include bacteria, algae and fungi or mold. ePaint contains antimicrobial substances that resist bacteria, mold, and mildew microbes from attacking the paint film. ePaint is formulated with biocides for both“ In Can Protection” and ”Dry Film Protection” which give it superior antimicrobial protection against damaging microbes such as, bacteria, mold, and mildew that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. ePaint antimicrobial protection is ideal for high humidity areas or wherever an added level of protection from microbes is needed. ePaint is mold and mildew resistant and odor resistant. Under normal circumstances, these coatings will only inhibit and resist the growth of mold or mildew on their surface. ePaint antimicrobial protection is built-in during the manufacturing process and will not wash off or wear away. Keep in mind that antimicrobial wall paints DO NOT kill mold and mildew. They only inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. You should never paint over mold or mildew without killing it first. Mix 6 parts water to 1 part bleach to make a solution that will kill the mold or mildew. Be sure to rinse it off with water and let dry thoroughly before applying paint. Ordinary wall paints, offer no antimicrobial protection. Mold and mildew growth on ordinary wall paints would be quick and the spread would be very rapid. ePaint is a true environmentally friendly coating because it is both Low VOC and antimicrobial. Important notes• In terms that we can all understand, a VOC is anything that evaporates and causes air pollution.
• A true Low VOC paint will not upset a person that has breathing difficulties whereas an ordinary acrylic latex wall paint can sometimes cause problems.
• Antimicrobial wall paints do not kill mold and mildew, they only inhibit its growth.
• Ordinary wall paints offer no antimicrobial protection. Mold and mildew growth would be quick and the spread rapid.
