Surface finishes Part 1 – The problem with synthetic paints

This series of posts will look at surface finishes; on the walls, ceiling and woodwork.  Most conventional indoor paints, stains and finishes contain synthetic substances, chemicals and toxins – together these are classed as household hazardous waste (HHW). These types of paint coat the surface in a thin layer of plastic which doesn′t allow the walls to breath.  Imagine putting cling film over the walls to give you a visual idea.  This isn′t good news for the building materials underneath as it can increase the chances of moisture being trapped. 

They also release chemical vapours known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which are associated with ill health especially respiration conditions.  VOCs are released in 2 stages; when the paint is drying (or rather the chemical solvent evaporating) and in lower levels all of the time the paint is on the walls.  That fresh paint smell is a high concentration level of chemicals being released – yep it′s not good for your health in these levels. Because you can smell it, means you are inhaling it even if you cannot see or taste it.

So what′s added to traditional paint to make it toxic?  The pigment (colour), adhesive (to stick it to the wall), solvents (to keep the paint in a liquid form until it′s used and to control the drying time once painted onto the wall), additives (for durability, to make them easy to apply, to lower mildew risk, create moisture proof paint, stop paint fading or yellowing etc).  Unless stated these are all chemical based substances and contribute to poor indoor air quality and are hazardous to health.

This is just a brief introduction to synthetic paints, next week a more specific look at the risk to human health.

Related posts:

1. Surface Finishes Part 3 – Household paint & sustainability
   
   Manufacture – Conventional paint is made of individual chemicals and...
2. Surface finishes Part 2 – Interior paint & health
   
   As a simple rule of thumb if any package or...
3. Surface Finishes Part 4 – Wall coverings
   
   Wallpaper has been used in interiors for thousands of years...
4. Surface Finishes Part 5 – Natural wall coverings
   
   Moving on from last week′s post and realising that most...
5. Surface Finishes Part 6 – Wallpaper alternatives
   
   If grasscloth wall coverings don′t suit the style you want...
6. Surface Finishes Part 7 – Tiles
   
   Tiles are traditionally made with a mixture of natural materials...