Q & A: non-toxic paint.

Q: Why should I use non-toxic paint? I don't eat it. It only goes on my walls, what harms is there in using "regular" paint?

A: First let's talk about the many benefits of natural finishes or "non-toxic paint." Then I'll offer information about "regular" paints and why they can be so poisonous.

From a professional standpoint, I was initially drawn to natural finishes because of their amazing beauty. For instance, the richness and depth achieved with clay plasters on walls is something that can never be achieved using regular paint. There are texture variations that seem to appeal to a deep level of the human brain. Bringing nature onto the surface like this tends to give people a first impression that says, "Oooh. I like this!" The effect is multidimensional rather than flat. Different angles reveal subtle nuances, different lighting opens up entirely new shadings and can transform a room's character by day and night.

People throughout history have appreciated the depth available from natural plasters. Egyptians created stunning frescoes dating back to 1420 BC, while Michelangelo and Botticelli transformed the Sistine Chapel with famous works of their own. These frescoes have been successfully brought back to life because of the richness and depth of the natural plasters they used as their base.

For windows, doors and trim, natural wood with organic oils & resin is the creme de la creme. Antonio Stradivari knew it when he finished his violins with pine resin and flax oil. When observed in different light, gorgeous hues and entirely different grains of wood leap forward. This is the way wood is meant to be seen. In its glory! Not soaked in petroleum byproducts and covered in plastic which is essentially what's being used all too often in the form of polyurethane. Which leads me to the section on "What's the harm of regular paint." A comprehensive answer would take far more space than we have here but a few simple points can be made.

First, here is a quote on Toxic Air Contaminants (TAC) in a recent report addressed to the California Legislature: "Paint not only emits numerous TACs, but emissions can continue for extended periods of time. Sparks et al. (1999) estimated that less than fifty percent of the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in latex paint are emitted in the first year." This means that much of the dangerous toxins continue to be inhaled long after the paint has dried and a family has moved in. Other points of concern about 'regular' paint include these:

* Acrylic Latex paint is made from petrochemicals. It is not at all sustainable nor is it as safe as it smells.

* A few of the poisonous emissions from "regular paint" are ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene (a carcinogen).

* Low-VOC paint does not necessarily mean low toxicity.

* Painters are twice as likely than other people to get cancer.

* Children have higher exposure and risk to indoor air pollution than adults; partly because they have smaller lungs with faster breathing rates.

* Even if a person is not sensitive to chemicals themselves, children or guests could be harmed by the paints chosen.

* And the fact is that most chemicals in paint have unknown long-term effects on human beings.

Q: "I thought that once the paint dried it was safe. What is truth about this?"

A: We briefly touched upon this in the last question. Surprisingly, most people are unaware that paint emits harmful fumes even after it's dried. There's plenty of scientific evidence showing that all toxins do not leave paint when it dries. There are home tests available for anyone who wants to know exactly what toxins are being emitted and where. Numerous studies have been published. Many governments, especially in Europe have made changes with the knowledge that poisons put in paint are harmful even after the paint is dry. When the climate is hot and humid the emissions are even higher.

What's so harmful about dry paint? Paints are complex chemical formulations that are too often over-engineered. Since performance, not health, is often the first priority, we wind up with a lot of unnecessary poisons in paint, poisons that are supposed to do certain things customers want not bad things. Behaviors like kill bacteria in the can so the paint lasts longer on the shelf; anti-skinning agents so the paint doesn't get a film in the can; drying agents so we don't have to wait too long for it to do; antifungal agents so it doesn't mildew; solvents; coalescents; resins and numerous additives all designed to meet a particular need. The problem is that these things often come delivered in fluids like naphtha, acetone, or other poisonous solvents. Even worse things like formaldehyde, benzene, and mercury being added can have long-term health effects including cancer. All of these are added for seemingly helpful purposes.

Latex paint was touted as the safer alternative to oil-based paint. But there are very harmful solvents used in latex paint that are hard to detect. Ethylene Glycol is one of the most commonly used latex solvents; it's also used in anti-freeze, known for its toxicity. Common Latex paint is not as safe as many would like you to believe. Why? Bottom line ... It's a petro-chemical, Crude oil by-product! Cheap, available, and easy.

Of course there has to be a balance. We want affordable paint that looks great and dries fast but doesn't hurt us. Shampoo burns our eyes so we close them. Expecting paint to be completelyinnocuous would be unrealistic. At the same time, there are things that we can use responsibly that are safer and more sustainable than others. Sure, no paints are hazard free, but some paint companies definitely make healthier products than others. Buying local, sustainably manufactured products not only saves money in shipping but puts less poison into the earth.

Standing in Lowe's or Sherwin Williams I ask myself, "Is this product safe from manufacture to the landfill? Do I want my kids playing on this paint? Will this paint damage my baby's nervous system?" I'm not willing to take those risks. I'm going with clay and plant oils.

Tom Rioux has over twenty years experience in the paint industry. After becoming very ill from exposure to toxic paint chemicals, he created Earthpaint, a healthy, sustainable alternative, www.earthpaint.net