ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE PAINTSSelecting a 'green' paint that has excellent coverage, low odor, dries quickly and is environmentally safe can be complex. The same chemical components that enhance the durability of paint may emit volatile organic compounds known as VOC’s. These can cause eye and throat irritation and pollute the air. To deal with these problems new non-toxic paints that offer zero or low VOC’s along with less odor are constantly being introduced to the market. In addition to the VOC’s, other chemicals – preservatives, fungicides and drying agents are considered hazardous. The manufacturer is required to put a warning on the label if the paint has particular quantities of hazardous compounds. Benjamin Moore, Dunn Edwards, Sherwin Williams and most paint manufacturers offer several product lines. Usually the more expensive the product line of paint, within a manufacturer, the higher the solids content and the longer the warranty. Better quality paint has a higher percentage of solids and will cover in fewer coats and last longer making it an environmentally responsible choice. Getting a brush stroke closer to a truly 'green' paint are natural paints which are made from only natural ingredients. This is the earth-friendly choice and as such is preferable to low or zero VOC paints. BioShield Paint, The Old Fashioned Milk Company and Real Milk Paint are a few natural paint manufacturers and retailers. This type of product is an excellent option throughout your home especially for a baby’s room. Health Magazine published an article that tested seven of the latest low and no VOC paints. They compared the price, VOC, coverage, odor and dry time. See their findings in the chart below:
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