Conventional paints can make the air you breathe a chemical cocktail, even long after they have dried, as they continue to release petroleum based solvents, called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as they cure. It is estimated that each year in Australia more than 60,000 tonnes of VOCs are released into the atmosphere, with the paint industry contributing significantly to this amount. Typical oil-based paint average 350g/L VOCs, or between 35-50% of the paints volume and contain chemicals such as Aliphatic & aromatic hydrocarbons(toluene, xylene), ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone), alcohol (butanol, ethanol), esters (n-propyl acetate, butyl acetate) free monomers, volatile plasticisers, fungicides such as aromatic mercury compounds.

Some major paint manufacturers in Australia still use tints that contain high levels of VOCS. Therefore, GreenPainters advises consumers and specifiers to check what the VOC level is of tinted paint they intend to use.

Even typical water-based acrylics still contain 3-7% solvent content and may include chemicals such as glycol ethylene and propylene, glycol ethers, alcohols, formaldehyde, amines (ammonium hydroxide, amino-2-methyl propanol), monomers, volatile plasticisers, ammonia and fungicides. The VOC content of paint and the CO2 emitted during manufacture are key contributors to environmental impact - primarily in the form of air pollution (petrochemical smog) and to a lesser degree 'greenhouse gases'. In addition VOCs may also trigger respiratory reactions. Low-VOC paints should be specified for exterior applications as well.

Another problem with synthetic paints is post-application wastage and disposal. The petrochemical paints that currently dominate the market are predominately derived from oil, a non-renewable resource. In most paints up to 20% of a tin by volume can be the pigment Titanium Dioxide, a product that can have a very high environmental impact load associated with it. Waste needs to be specially treated to avoid adverse environmental impacts.

The manufacture of petrochemical based paint is energy-intensive, and the production of of 1 tonne of solvent-based paint can produce 10-30 tonnes of toxic waste, much of which is non-degradable.

Plant and Mineral-based paints are made using naturally occurring ingredients, and therefore do not require high levels of processing. Many of the ingredients are made from renewable resources, such as linseed oil, and citrus oil, and therefore avoid contributing to greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the product. 'Natural' paints use plant-derived solvents and binders instead of synthetic ones, and usually have low VOC levels. It results in better health outcomes, and uses renewable resources for the most sustainable living.

Consumers and specifiers should also consider the carbon-emissions produced by manufacturers in the production of paint products. Paints are now available that have been independently certified carbon-neutral.

'Regular paints give off low level toxic fumes that can cause breathing irritations and headaches. Painted surfaces can continue 'off gassing' fumes for months after painting. The good news is that many paint companies now offer healthier low emission products for the same cost. (These are also known as 'low VOC' products)

If you want to avoid paint fumes altogether, look for paints that contain all-natural ingredients. These do cost a bit extra but are worth it if you have allergies or young children.'

CSIRO studies have shown that occupants of new Australian homes may be exposed to up to 20 times the maximum allowable limits of indoor air toxics for up to ten weeks after completion. Further CSIRO measurements in 27 suburban Melbourne residences more than a year after construction identified 27 airborne toxics. These included the carcinogens benzene, formaldehyde and styrene, and a cocktail of methanol, ethanol, acetone, toulene,dichlorobenzene plus a number of less well-known toxics, most of which are found in paints. Mineral turpentine (used as a thinner and solvent)may contain up to 20% benzene, which is a confirmed carcinogen and mutagen in chronically exposed workers.

CSIRO estimates that indoor air pollution costs the Australian community in excess of $12 billion a year in illness and lost productivity. Because VOC regulations are based on ozone reduction, toxic chemicals that do not form ozone are excluded from the required VOC calculations, as are toxic metals. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) list hazardous ingredients and can be obtained by calling paint manufacturers. Be aware that additions of pigments and additives such as biocides also affect the relative toxicity of the final paint mix.

Acrylic paints typically include a rangeof biocides to protect the latex, which can include arsenic disulphide, phenol, copper, formaldehyde, carbamates, permethrin and quaternary ammonium compounds. Just because a paint says it is "low VOC does not mean it does not give off hazardous vapors! " (U.S.Environmental Protection Agency. Evaluation of low-VOC latex paints.Inside IAQ: EPA's Indoor Air Quality Research Update. EPA/600/N-98/003.Fall/Winter, 1998.) While biocide manufacturers claim that the formaldehyde in these products wont come out, EPA data shows this is not the case.

Even when using paints that are classified as low VOC, immune suppressed individuals with conditions such as HIV/Aids, Chronic Fatigue and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) should avoid rooms with fresh paint (of any kind) and health test dry paint samples after minimum 24 hours prior to purchase or painting. Accredited GreenPainters are well aware of issues relating to MCS sufferers, and can work closely with customers to determine the best outcome.

Natural Paints are made using naturally occurring ingredients, and therefore do not require high levels of processing.The manufacture of petrochemical based paint is energy-intensive, and the production of solvent-based paint can produce toxic waste, much of which is non-degradable.

'Natural' Paints:

Ingredients used are printed on the label, or on a technical data sheet which can be consulted to establish whether allergic reactions are a risk

Many of the ingredients of 'Natural' paints are made from renewable resources, such as linseed oil, and citrus oil. These natural VOCs may cause reactions such as watery eyes or respiratory problems in people sensitive to these substances. They also contain plant resins, finely ground minerals, and earth pigments. Most of the companies producing the paints offer full ingredient-disclosure statements for the products.

Natural paints use plant-derived solvents and binders instead of synthetic ones. They are the most sustainable type of paints available, as most of the ingredients are derived from renewable or highly abundant materials

Ideal for residential applications, or for use in areas where chemical sensitivity is an issue, or sustainability is the focus.

Do not form a water-proof barrier,and therefore are not as stain-resistant as acrylic paints.

Allow the substrate to 'breathe',are anti-static (avoiding dust), discourage mould growth, and improve air quality.

Mineral-based paints such as lime or clay paints bond with the substrate, which means they become a sacrificial surface. They gradually wear away until it is time to recoat. However, they do not crack, peel or blister. They offer outstanding durability for exterior masonry surfaces.