Paint and the EnvironmentPaint and other finishes are important in our daily lives but they can have a serious environmental impact. They may contain volatile organic compounds (VOC)s and other ingredients that are harmful to people and the environment. Function: It serves two main functions. One is ascetic appeal; making the things we construct more pleasing to the eye. The second is protection. A fresh coat will prevent oxidization of metal (rust)and decay or rotting of wooden objects. History: Over the last couple of hundred years there have been a number of different types of finishes used. Milk paints were commonly used during the 18th and 19th centuries. It can still be purchased. It comes in a powder and is mixed with water. It is available in a range of colours or as a clear finish. For outdoor use the most common preservative was a type of finish called oaker. It was made from linseed oil mixed with a smaller amount of fish-oil. Unfortunately, another main ingredient was white lead and sometime red lea (both very toxic). Lead persisted as an ingredient in finishes , including indoor, until 1978. It helped with drying and contributed to vivid colour. Lead was in most products until 1940 and about half up until 1960. Dangers: Children can be seriously harmed by ingesting chips that flake off,containing lead. It can cause brain damage and other developmental issues. It will sometimes flake off window sills or become airborne when sanding or renovating. Lead is a significant health hazard to adults as well. VOCs: By the 1950’s petroleum was taking over from natural oils in finishes. It is only fairly recently that we have become concerned about (VOC)s. These are the chemicals that off-gas from finishes, cleaning products, and construction materials used in homes and offices. Tests by the American EPA have indicated the level of airborne toxins in homes can be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoors even in industrial areas. (VOC)s in the air react with oxides of nitrogen and sunlight to create ozone. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is beneficial in reducing harmful ultraviolet rays. When ozone is present at ground level in higher concentrations it can be harmful to people with heart conditions or asthma and is thought to affect the immune system. This has been the driving force behind the move from petroleum-based to water-based finishes. Changing from Oil-based to Water-Based products: There are a few facts that are helpful to know about these two types of products. Water-based, acrylic emulsion or latex paints take about a month to cure. Oil-based or solvent-based take about a week to cure. In order to use latex or acrylic products on top of solvent based products it is necessary to use an oil-based primer. A test that helps to determine the type of product already on the surface to be painted is to use an acetone-based nail polish remover. If the nail polish remover removes it, it is water-based but if it just gets a bit shiny, it is solvent-based. Disposal: It is important to dispose of unwanted products in an environmentally friendly way. Even if they are acrylic or latex they may contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. Most municipalities offer the opportunity to bring them to a hazardous waste depot at specific dates and locations during the year. The province of Ontario has implemented a program to take back in-door and out-door house-hold products. They can be dropped off at Rona-Cashway or Home Depot.
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