Paint & Varnishes
PAINTS, VARNISHES and WAXES are coatings are used to beautify wood surfaces around the home. By their nature, they dry or cure and give off volatile chemicals (VOCs). These chemicals contaminate your home’s air and you inhale them on every breathe. Oil-based products have high levels of VOCs such as toluene, xylene, and petroleum based solvents. (e.g. mineral spirits). They could take days to weeks to cure, so your VOC exposure can go on long after the painting is over. Water-based paints and varnishes are better but still contain VOCs. Furniture and floor wax can also contain high levels of VOCs.
Do you use coatings inside the house?
If so you are at risk for:
1) Headache, tireness
2) Nerve damage if you work with them regularly
3) Eye and lung irritation
4) Worsening of asthma
5) Strong odors that last for days or more
| COATINGS Precautions |
COATINGS Alternatives |
| Read the label even though the print may be small. It has key safety information. | Switch to “water-based” paints, urethanes and varnishes |
| Apply only under well-ventilated conditions | Look forproducts labeled for “interior use” when working indoors. These have less VOCs than products labeled for exterior use. |
| Air out the work zone thoroughly when done | Choose paint and other coatings from Green catalogs and that are listed on GreenSeal. Products that meet low toxicity standards will have the Greenseal decal on the can. |
| Do the work in the warm (summer) months when it is easier to air out the house or work outdoors. |
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| Keep children out of work areas until it is aired out. | |
| Do the work outside in a shed or garge if possible and leave there until cured. |
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| Tightly reseal used containers and store in shed or garage. |
