Painting a Picture of Health
by Jessica Groach
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Most commercial paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOC's. These are solvents that allow paint to spread evenly and evaporate when it dries. They're responsible for that familiar odor, and they're a primary culprit of indoor pollution and allergies. They're also extremely flammable, so when used improperly, paint can be dangerous.
Safety is Primary in Painting
Before doing any interior painting, take the proper precautions and buy the right products to make the experience safe for you and your environment. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Use all your paint, when possible. An extra coat will only improve the look and protection on interior walls, and there's no leftover paint to store. Or try to find a neighbor or a non-profit organization that could use it.
- Never pour leftover paint down the drain, which pollutes the water supply. Instead, keep paint in its original can, with the lid tightly sealed, stored upside down--the paint helps reinforce the seal.
- For water-based paints, leave the lid open and let the paint dry completely, then put it out for garbage pick-up. Never leave open paint accessible for children or animals, and make sure the area is well ventilated and not near a flame or heat source.
- Read all labels on house paint for instructions on use and storage.
- Instead of rinsing paint brushes between painting days, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or grocery bags. This keeps the paint brush from drying out overnight. When it's time to rinse paint brushes, squeeze out all excess into the can first.
- Water-based, acrylic-latex paints are more environmentally friendly, contain low levels of VOC's, and clean up easily. Look for paints labeled with LEED-certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
With the proper considerations, you don't have to sacrifice design to get a safer, more environmentally friendly home.
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About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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