Clean, green paints
October 11, 2008
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Kenyon Wallace
Ever felt dizzy or nauseous when painting indoors?
Chances are you were having an adverse reaction to chemicals in the paint called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can be toxic, causing conditions such as neurotoxicity and carcinogenesis, according to Environment Canada.
VOCs include carbon-containing gases and vapours such as vinyl chloride, chlorobenzene, toluene and other solvents.
There are alternatives, low- or zero-VOC paints use natural ingredients such as linseed oil and china clay, and many give off little or no odour. U.S.-based non-profit organizations such as Green Seal and Greenguard have set voluntary standards for VOC levels. Here are four of the "greenest" paints in the GTA.
BENJAMIN MOORE AURA
Classification: Low-VOC (less than 50 g per litre)
Price: $65
Colours: Comes in any of the colours in the Benjamin Moore palette, approximately 1,800
Where to find it: Any Benjamin Moore retailer, benjaminmoore.ca
AFM SAFECOAT
Classification: Zero-VOC (less than 10 g per litre)
Price: $51.99
Colours: Unlimited – colours mixed on site and can match any sample
Where to find it: Organic Baby World, 3120 Rutherford Rd., Unit 17, Vaughan, 905-417-7105, organicbabyworld.ca
FARROW & BALL
Classification: Zero-VOC (less than 10 g per litre)
Price: $69.50
Colours: Farrow & Ball's palette of 132 colours
Where to find it: Farrow & Ball Showroom, 1054 Yonge St., 416-920-0200, www.farrow-ball.com
HOMESTEAD HOUSE
Classification: Zero-VOC (less than 10 g per litre)
Price: $59.99
Colours: Unlimited, mixed on site and can match any sample
Where to find it: Homestead House Paint Company, 95 Niagara St., 416-504-9984, homesteadhouse.ca
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