Guest Article Written By Jessica K.
The benefits of eco-friendly painting and home design are seen in the improvement of people’s health when they spend time in rooms that have been painted with water-based, eco-friendly paint. These paints are created specifically to be better for people’s health and to be free from chemicals. Eco-friendly paints go on smoothly, the color is rich and they have the extra benefit of not continually releasing harmful chemical residue into the indoor home environment.
Chemicals Most Commonly Found In Paint
Chemicals in paint are there to help keep the paint in its liquid state until it is applied to the wall. Gases from traditional paint are released into the air as the paint dries, which can cause a myriad of health problems, especially for those who are sensitive to the chemical ingredients. What many people don’t realize is that these chemical ingredients can still be present for up to five years after paint is applied to a surface.
Traditional paint contains chemical ingredients like methyl chloroform, benzene, naphthalene, toluene, as well as chemical pigments to create color, and toxic fungicides. These chemicals are known as volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s. The waste left behind by these paints is also non-biodegradable.
Possible Health Problems From Traditional Paints
There are specific health problems that can be caused by traditional, chemical-laden paints. These include things like stinging and burning in the eyes or respiratory problems that can include asthma. The fumes and chemicals can irritate asthma in people who already have it. People may also experience migraine headaches, damage to kidneys, dizziness, nerve damage, some types of cancer like skin and lung cancer and irritation to the skin including rashes and burning.
Ingredients Found In Eco-Friendly Paints
The ingredients usually found in paints that are friendlier to the environment include a milk protein called casein and natural clay. Other ingredients can include beeswax, linseed or seed oil and lemon peel extract. The ingredients may vary due to things like the color of the paint chosen. What these ingredients have in common is that they are natural, and typically they are water-based and biodegradable.
The best benefits of natural eco-friendly painting and home design include:
– Less odor
– No lingering chemical residue
– Paints and chemical free furnishings are better for people’s health, especially for people with allergies
– Eco-friendly paint leaves little or no environmental impact
– Natural paints can be cost-effective, saving money in the future due to better health and environmental protection
– You may not need as many coats of paint when using eco-friendly paint
Eco-Friendly Painting And Design Creates A Healthier Home
Using principles of eco-friendly painting and design can help to make any home healthier. Try to choose furnishings that are made from natural materials and furniture with natural finishes. For those who are very sensitive to chemicals, pay close attention to fabrics and try to choose fabrics that are not treated with chemicals like stain resistant sealers and flame retardant chemicals.
The walls of a home are a great place to begin with green, water-based, environmentally friendly paint. The eco-friendly theme can then be carried throughout the home in smart choices of furnishings and accessories.
Plants, especially English ivy and bamboo palms, are a great way to bring a natural feel to any home. They can also help to remove carbon monoxide and chemicals like formaldehyde. Eco-friendly flooring comes in choices like natural cork, reclaimed or harvested wood, or renewable bamboo.
Creating a healthier home environment will make your home a place where everyone will want to gather, and where wonderful memories can be made.
Jessica Kane is a professional writer who has an interest in interior design and home decor.