Painting children's rooms and sensitive areas.
SFP is an Eco-friendly company. This year we will take our commitment to our customers Indoor Air Quality a bit further by specifying solvent free zero voc paint for childrens rooms, play areas, nurseries and sensitive areas at no extra charge. It is good practice to also use zero voc paints in public areas such as, hotels, hospitals etc.
Conventional water based paints, also known as “latex paints” contain organic and non organic ingredients, pigments, additives, binders and water. The most harmful ingredients are the Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) These are mostly solvents and agents that help with the film formation of the paint. Many paints are formulated with ethylene glycol, a known toxicant. Biocides and other agents used to arrest bacteria growth are also ingredients. These VOCs can result in acute and chronic indoor exposure especially to children that are still developing their immune system. In addition to the high VOC exposures during the painting and initial drying periods, there is chronic exposure to these chemicals over extended periods. Laboratory experiments have shown that a large portion of the VOC components quickly adsorb into the wallboard, then are slowly released over many months.
Most families decide to redecorate when they have children. Whether redecorating happens just before or after children are born these are important concerns that should be addressed.
What are some precautions?
First of all, there is some good news. The general levels of VOCs in latex paints have been decreasing steadily in the last few years. Some interior paints have VOC contents of less than 100 grams per litre. Some major paint manufacturers now offer zero VOC paints that work as well as regular paints, are available in most finishes and colors and have very few limitations, if any. SFP has a lot of practical experience using most of these coatings in many settings from high traffic commercial situations, to residential re-painting and the results have been very good.
If possible paint children’s rooms when they are away at least for 24 to 48 hours. At the very least they can sleep in another room for a day or two. Also, to minimize the effects that painting your interiors has on your indoor air quality, overall ventillation of the house is very important. If possible paint the house and especialy the nursery before the baby is born.
Neutral colours in children’s areas are a wasted opportunity for sensory stimulation. Bright and colourful rooms and furnishings are a great environment for children to grow up in.
With a few simple precautions and common sense choices on the selection of products, parents can now focus on choosing the right color.
Painting with zero VOC paint does not cost extra.
Call Scotlands Finest Painter at 206-909-0654 or click here to arrange an appointment.
