How to Choose Eco-Friendly Paint

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Chemicals released by some interior paints are called volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which eco-friendly paints can reduce or eliminate. Environmentalists and some health experts say VOCs add to indoor air pollution and may be carcinogenic. It's believed that even after a petroleum-based paint dries, it can emit VOCs for years afterwards. Read on to learn how to choose eco-friendly paint.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know that low-VOC and zero-VOC paints must meet standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Low-VOC paints can have 200 grams of volatile compound per liter at the most. Paints with less than 5 grams per liter are considered to be zero-VOC products.
Step 2

Understand that VOCs can be eliminated altogether if natural interior paints are used. Natural paints often incorporate plant dyes and minerals. For example, clay paint is made from minerals and water. However, the color selection for clay paints may be limited, and walls painted with them can't be washed if they get dirty; they must be repainted.
Step 3

Consider milk paint as another natural alternative for interior paint that has been used for centuries. It's made from a milk protein, water, clay and pigments. It's a fast-drying paint that typically comes in powder form to be mixed with water.
Step 4

Look for eco-friendly paints that meet Green Seal standards. Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that concentrates on improving environmental standards for many products, and it has developed a certification process for eco-friendly paints. Green Seal lists certified products and services on its website.

Comments

sandybee said

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on 5/27/2009 I recently painted my kitchen using a Green Seal certified product, Yolo Colorhouse. I would recommend this product to anyone who is looking to paint...very impressed!