TIME FOR A CHANGE?

House needs a face-lift? Colours dull and outdated? Or do you just feel like a change?

This time when you repaint it is well worth considering changing more than just the colour. Here’s why: Did you know that most synthetic oil-based paints contain solvents known as VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). These compounds are fat-soluble and thus, as they evaporate into the air while the paint dries, they can be absorbed through the skin and lungs. VOC’s have been well documented for the negative effect on the human nervous system. Symptoms of VOC exposure can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue and blurred vision. Occupational asthma, emphysema and irreversible forms of dermatitis have also all been documented. In addition, extreme exposure can cause detrimental effects on memory and intellectual abilities.

Synthetic water based paints unfortunately don’t paint any brighter a picture. They also contain many toxic chemicals some of which include-
• Mercury-one of the most toxic chemicals known to man.
• Cadmium- known as a potential cause of high blood pressure, bone defects, kidney dysfunction and other potential health problems.
• Formaldehyde- a known carcinogen (causes cancer) is used as a preservative.

And it doesn’t stop there….
Did you know that clinical studies done on professional painters found that there was a significant increase in lung and bladder cancer due to consistent exposure to these toxic chemicals.The studies also established that couples planning families were over three times more likely to miscarry when the man was exposed to oil-based paints for at least 4 hours a week. Non professionals, on the other hand, painting their own homes, are not exposed to the same level of toxins but they, and their families, will experience on-going exposure due to the release of gases long after the paint job is complete. Synthetic paints have been found to emit chemical fumes for up to five years after their application.

Another important point to consider is the environmental impact of your paint job.

Did you know that synthetic paints are said to be responsible for at least 20% of all hydrocarbon air pollution. Incredibly, only motor transport is a higher contributor!

So what’s the answer?
Luckily there are some environmentally sound, ethical companies that have made some positive changes for the better, giving us products that not only offer great colour choices, but are completely non toxic and therefore safe to use even in baby’s room. These natural paints produce no toxic hazardous waste during the manufacturing process and they are also so environmentally friendly that your clean up job after painting can be safely tipped into the garden.

Could there really be any other way to go but to choose these natural beautiful products when next you decide to paint your home or office etc.

If you’re not already convinced to make a change, here’s an easy guide so you can see at a glance why natural is the only choice when it comes to yours and your family’s health, and the health of our precious planet.