Is Your Paint Toxic or Safe?

Avoid Toxic Paint - Claffey's PaintingPeople are becoming more and more aware of their environment and how it affects them, from the air they breathe to the things they eat.

Is it any wonder, when you consider the fumes that some house paints release, along with the worry of the paint containing lead, that we have been taking a long hard look at the paint we surround ourselves with, from our homes to our businesses.

Luckily, in the United States, lead based paint was banned from being used in household paint in 1978.

I think people have been aware that the fumes might be harmful, because as long as I can remember, ladies who are expecting a baby have been cautioned to avoid painting or being in close proximity to paint fumes.

What makes paint fumes toxic?

Many traditional paints contain V.O.C.s (volatile organic compounds). These are toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde or benzene.

The misconception many people have is that once the paint is dried and you can no longer smell it, then the danger is gone, which is a false assumption. These chemicals can be released for years, long after the paint is dry, and you will continue to inhale the toxins which have been associated to numerous health issues, including cancer and asthma.

Fortunately over the last few years, many paint manufacturers are striving eliminate V.O.C.s in their paint along with improving paint quality.

Indoor Air Quality

Cleaning Supplies can be as toxic as paint - Claffey's PaintingEven though we don’t have auto emissions or manufacturing  pollutants inside our homes, our indoor air can contain as much as 3 times the air pollutants as our outdoor air. We have a variety of chemicals and other toxins such as mold and mildew that stay trapped in our homes and businesses.

VOC’s can be found in other products as well:

  • Fuel
  • Adhesives
  • Permanent markers
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Pesticides
  • Glues
  • Crafting materials

Paint that is not eco friendly only makes it worse as it adds to the bad air we breathe day and night and contributes to health problems for many years.

As a member of “BuiltGreen“, an environmentally-friendly, non-profit, residential building program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Claffey’s Painting is dedicated to painting your homes and businesses, not only in a quality manner, but also with eco-friendly solutions that will keep you and the environment healthy.

Call us for a free estimate on your next job!