Paints, product sealers and lacquers generally release strong odours and levels of toxic emissions during application, whilst curing, and sometimes for long periods after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the products.
There are now low and no odour paints and finishes available that are produced to block the release of odours and are manufactured from low toxic ingredients. They are safer and mean that rooms or buildings can be used soon after painting and aim to reduce ongoing indoor air pollution. Some no or low odour products include:
- interior paints
- lacquer
- polyurethane
- enamel paint
- oil and acrylic free varnish
- low gloss sealers for porous surfaces.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
If building or renovating a workplace, consideration can be given to the use of low or no odour paints, product sealers and varnishes to minimise employees’ exposure to chemicals in the short and longer term and reduce air pollution. Use of these products may be especially beneficial in workplaces such as schools, hospitals, childcare centres and medical centres. Where individuals with chemical sensitivities are present, the use of low or no odour products within the workplace may assist with productivity and work performance.
Other methods to reduce odours and help to minimise exposure to chemicals can be found at the links below:
References
earthBorn (no date specified), proAqua, earthBorn Paints, Cheshire, viewed 22 February 2011, http://www.earthbornpaints.co.uk/proaquaegg.php.
EnvironmentalCare 2011, AFM – Environmental Paints, EnvironmentalCare Limited, Kowloon, viewed 22 February 2011, http://environmentalcare.com/home.html.
Safer Solutions 2011, What are volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)?, Safer Solutions, Sydney South, viewed 22 February 2011, http://www.safersolutions.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=328&Itemid=191.