The Volatile Organic Compound (VOC’s) present in paints can result in extensive health damage

DENVER - June 27, 2013 - PRLog -- Residential painting contractors should ensure that the paints are free from VOC’s for promoting better health of individuals.

Highlands Ranch: Don’t be too worried if your walls have ears, but make sure they don’t emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)! It has come as a shock for people across the globe to realize that their walls may be emitting toxic compounds found in paints. These chemicals are added as additives in paints and have been shown to cause serious health problems.

What is inside those lovely colors?

Paints are generally of two types: oil based and water based. Oil based paints generally require a petroleum based solvent which lends it a toxic nature and leads to emission of VOC’s.  Water based paints, on the other hand, contain Latex which is less harmful and is also free from chemical solvents. Latex based paints have been used for interior painting but are now being promoted for external use as well, owing to health and environmental aspects.

A latest publication form Green Seal, a non-profit organization which sets environmental standards for products and services advocates the use of Latex based paints. The report states “Latex paint is more breathable, has better color and mildew resistance, and expands and contracts with the wood more ­easily than an alkyd paint.”

Why worry about VOC’s?

Why not! VOC’s are notorious chemicals which produce ground level ozone when exposed to Sunlight. Ground level ozone can have serious ramifications for both humans and the environment. The Green Seal report further adds: “Studies have shown that ground-level ozone is harmful to both human health and agricultural crops”.

There is a growing awareness even amongst the paint manufacturer fraternity to reduce the extent of VOC’s in paints. The opinion of one of the leading non VOC paint manufacturers echoes the concern:  “According to the EPA, nine percent of the air-borne pollutants creating low-level ozone pollution come from the VOCs in paint. Nine percent. That’s a lot.”

Even the Health Department has started ringing the warning bells. The American Lung Association states that VOC’s can induce physical problems like eye and skin irritation, lung and breathing issues as well as liver damage.  These are surely ominous signs of damage and calls for a more responsible approach towards residential painting.

About the company

Baseline Painting is a Denver based full service residential and commercial painting and cabinet refinishing company. The company has almost 25 years of experience and ensures a healthy and sustainable approach towards painting. The contact details of the company are mentioned below:

 Email: info@baselineinc.net
URL: http://www.baselinepainting.com/painters-denver