Go Green. It’s your

best protection from

being painted into

an unhealthy corner.

According to the US Environmental Protection Authority, indoor air pollution is one of the Top Five hazards to human health ~ with toxic emissions from paints and finishes being high amongst the leading causes.

Australian CSIRO studies show that occupants of new homes may be exposed to up to 20 times the maximum allowable limits of indoor air toxics for up to ten weeks after completion.
The source of these toxins is a variety of petroleum-based solvents known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release into the air as a vapour for years after paint is first applied.
Traditional petrochemical oil-based paints are typically high in VOCs (35-50% of paint volume) which can be inhaled into the body ~ exposing people to a number of potential health risks. These can include any of the following.

• Irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes
• Respiratory problems
• Headaches, dizziness and nausea
• Light-headedness
• Effects to the nervous system
• Blood, liver and kidney diseases
• Carcinogenic effects

A report by The World Health Organisation: International Agency for Research on Cancer, links working as a professional painter with an increased risk of cancer of up to 20%; and an increased risk of lung cancer 40%. Scientists in Europe also cite a clear connection between the presence of pollutants in indoor air and the alarming recent rise in respiratory ailments such as asthma amongst young children.
Ecologically, the energy-intensive manufacture of petrochemical based paint is also a worldwide concern to our planet. Producing just 1 tonne of it can produce 10-30 tonnes of toxic waste ~ much of which is non-degradable.
From an environmental and human safety standpoint, the ‘green friendly’ advent of high-quality, water-based paints which have low or zero VOC levels now offers everyone a clearly superior, more sustainable solution. With no reduction in product performance and no increase in paint cost.