Why Non-Toxic Paint is Important to You and the World
As awareness of environmental issues and health concerns grows, the demand for safer products to be used in construction and home improvement has never been higher. While effective in providing vibrant colors and durable finishes, traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have serious health implications and contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
VOCs in traditional paints – like glycol, benzene, formaldehyde, or toluene – evaporate into the air at room temperature during painting and for about 6 months after the paint has dried, causing indoor air pollution and increasing ground-level ozone and smog. Prolonged exposure can cause a range of short-term health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. More alarmingly, long-term exposure has been linked to severe conditions such as liver and kidney damage and even cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 3.2 million people died in 2020 due to exposure to household air pollution, much of which they attribute to indoor use of paints and other products containing VOCs.
The shift towards non-toxic paints supports broader sustainable practices in construction and renovation industries, promoting low-VOC and no-VOC paints. These are part of green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly built areas. Low-VOC paints can contain up to 50 grams of VOC per liter, compared to 300 grams per liter in standard paints, making them a healthier alternative, while no-VOC paints can contain up to 5 grams of VOC per liter, which is negligible.
Non-toxic paint refers to paint formulations free from harmful chemicals – particularly VOCs, heavy metals, and other toxic substances – making them safer for both human health and the environment. These make use of water-based acrylics, plant-based resins, and natural pigments to minimise harmful emissions. Non-toxic paint ensures better indoor air quality and reduces health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals, benefiting children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, while providing robust binding properties and durability.
While non-toxic paints may have a higher up-front cost, their long-term economic benefits are substantial. Reduced need for ventilation and air purification systems to manage VOC emissions leads to energy savings, and non-toxic paints often require less frequent repaints due to their durability and resistance to peeling and fading. A study of LEED costs and benefits shows that green-certified buildings that use non-toxic paints can see, on average, 8-9% lower operating costs, a 7.5% increase in building value, and a 6.6% higher return on investment compared to non-certified buildings. Moreover, non-toxic paints can save healthcare costs by reducing VOC-related health issues.
From improving indoor air quality and protecting human health to reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable building practices, non-toxic paints offer a range of benefits that make them a vital choice for consumers and industries alike. As paint technology continues to advance, adopting non-toxic paints will play a crucial role in creating healthier and more sustainable living and working built environments.
Sources
2 World Health Organization (WHO) ( 2023) - Household air pollution
