Paints

Well, unless you live in CA, you don’t need to worry about paint being toxic. Really - it’s true! The cans all say something to the affect of “This paint contains ingredients known to cause cancer in the state of CA”.

There are two main problems with paints. The first, which most consumers are somewhat aware of are VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). Volatile, means that these chemicals are capable of off-gassing into the air we breathe. According to the American Lung Association, VOC’s can cause nasal congestion, epitasis, cough, wheezing, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anorexia, rashes, and even hearing loss. And of course, if you live in CA, they can cause cancer.

So here are your options:

Any brand low VOC paint - I don’t recommend it. “Low” can still allow an awful lot of VOC’s into your air. Plus, they contain harmful solvents (disease causing) that don’t fall under the guidelines required for VOC’s.

Any zero VOC paint - Don’t recommend it. Zero, I’ve found, in a lot of instances doesn’t *really* mean zero. Zero fat grams means less than a gram, not no fat; zero VOC’s is the same. It’s a better option, but still not the best. Also, what most consumers don’t realize is that the VOC designation is *only* for the base paint. Adding color to it can really up the VOC count. Plus, you still have all the icky solvents.

Bioshield Paints - An excellent paint company. They have paints that contain absolutely no particles of VOC’s as well as no harmful solvents. Ingredient lists are available for all of their paints.

AFM Safecoat - This company has an excellent reputation as well. Some people say their paints are a bit more durable. They do contain one ingredient that bioshield refuses to use tho.

Always read ingredients, read info, ask questions. Not *all* of these companies products are completely non-toxic. Some products consumers like can’t unfortunately, be made without toxins.