Conscious Choice: Alternatives to Toxic Paint

May 2004 | Co-op America’s Living Green

Alternatives to Toxic Paint

Dear Co-op America, Are there environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic interior commercial paints? — Dale and Beth, St. Paul, Minn.

AS YOU’VE rightly noted, conventional interior paints are rife with toxins. Many paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can off-gas for weeks. VOCs can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea, dizziness, heart and lung damage and even cancer. Paints also contain toxic biocides to prevent mildew growth and act as preservatives. And, some of the toxins in paint come from the pigments used to color them.

Ideally, you want to use interior paints that are low in VOCs, low in biocides and colored with natural pigments. (Keep in mind that many paints labeled “low in VOCs” simply meet the EPA’s minimum requirements to use this label. These call for no more than 250 gm/l of VOCs in “low-VOC” latex paint and no more than 380 gm/l for “low-VOC” oil-based paint. There are paints available that go even lower in their VOC content — anywhere from 0-100 gm/l.)

Milk paint and natural paints are the first choice when it comes to commercially available interior paints. Milk paint is made with milk protein, or “casein,” and lime. Natural paints are derived from substances such as citrus and balsam, as well as various minerals. Both milk and natural paints are petroleum-free, very low in VOCs, and do not off-gas biocides. The family-run Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Company in Groton, Mass., produces milk paints in 16 colors (978-448-6336). Auro USA offers natural paints that you tint yourself with their natural pigments (888-302-9352).

Latex or acrylic paint with very low biocide and VOC levels are also top-tier choices. AFM Safecoat paints (619-239-0321) meet strict VOC standards and contain no biocides.

Avoid oil-based or solvent-based paints, as they contain the highest levels of VOCs. No matter what kind of paint you use, remember to keep your home well ventilated while the new paint dries.

Dear Co-op America, I’ve heard that dry cleaning is performed with dangerous chemicals. Are there any alternatives to washing “dry clean only” clothes? — Not Grungy by Choice, Seattle, Wash.

YOU’RE RIGHT to be concerned about dry cleaning. The majority of dry cleaners use the solvent perchloroethylene, or “perc,” which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says can cause liver damage and respiratory failure. The EPA also classifies perc as a possible human carcinogen.

To avoid perc and get the benefits of professional cleaning, look for a “wet” cleaner. Wet cleaners use water, biodegradable soaps, steam and computer-controlled washers and dryers to launder your garments.

To find a professional wet cleaner near you, visit the Professional Wet Cleaning Network’s Web site.

You can also successfully hand wash many “dry clean only” clothes — including those made of silk, wool, rayon, cotton, linen, hemp and synthetic fibers — in cool or cold water with a mild soap or detergent. If you’re still craving that professional finish, ask your local dry or wet cleaner to press your clothing without cleaning.

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