If you are thinking of updating the interior or exterior paint of your home, you should consider using eco-friendly paints. Eco-friendly paints are less toxic than regular paints and offer great splatter resistance. And surprisingly, these paints are still affordable.

What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?

Eco-friendly products are products that do not contain chemicals that are harmful to our environment. You can find eco-friendly options in many products like cleaners and even paint. If you are looking to protect the environment, only use paints that are NOT full of harmful chemicals. That way, you can breathe in clean air while also preserving the environment.

Top toxic paint ingredients to be aware of:

• VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds – these chemicals evaporate at room temperature and could cause many health issues. This is why you want to look for low or zero VOC paint options. Health issues that can be caused by the paint going through the process of releasing gases, which could take a couple of weeks, include: nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, heart damage, lung damage, kidney damage and even cancer. Unfortunately, paints with VOC can contaminate indoor and outdoor areas. In fact, two-thirds of the VOC emissions recorded in California have been found to be caused by paint!
• Pigments – usually the color of paint contains chemical pigments that are toxic. Try to look for all natural pigments in natural paint.
• Fungicides & Biocides – toxic fungicides are used to prevent mildew from growing. Biocides are used to preserve the paint and extend the shelf live. These types of chemicals can linger in the air up to 5 years after application and can impact both indoor and outdoor areas. Like all paint, paints with these chemicals should be disposed of properly as these chemicals have the chance of getting into groundwater.

Things to look for:

First, always read the ingredients in the paint you are looking to purchase! You will be able to find many eco-friendly options at Lowe’s & Home Depot. Check the label and look for low or no VOC, low biocides and use only natural paints with natural pigments.

Tip:

Latex paint has low biocide & VOC levels, making it a lot safer of an option than oil-based paints, especially for interior use!

We proudly use Sherwin Williams and other fine paints that offer eco-friendly options. We also use only the best tools and techniques for all residential and commercial jobs. East Valley Painters, serving Sun Lakes, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Chandler, and east valley cities for the past 30 years.