News

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Professional Painters Use Low VOC Paint to Keep Chicago Green

Is it time to re-paint your home, but you're concerned about the toxins released through paint fumes? Well, good news - as of July 1, 2009, a new law has taken effect in Illinois requiring lower VOC limits in paints. Professional Painters is excited about using the new low VOC products. Extensive research and testing have gone into ensuring that these products are not only safe for the environment, but will also prove durable and long-lasting for your restoration projects.

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, which are added to paint to enhance spreadability and adhesion. But as paint dries, organic solvents evaporate and contribute to ground level ozone, a known public health hazard. Some VOCs have been linked to asthma and other respiratory problems. They are also linked to cancer in animals and are suspected to contribute to cancer in humans.

The new regulations require lower VOC limits in 54 coatings categories, including primers, flat and non-flat paints, as well as stains and varnishes. Primarily, this affects oil-based primers and paints.

There are, however, several exceptions to the new regulations:

• Coatings manufactured prior to July 1, 2009
• Containers of one quart or less
• Aerosol coatings

All painting contractors in Illinois are now required to use paints that comply with the new regulations. These paints must have either been manufactured before July 1, 2009, or must meet the current VOC regulations. We have consulted the manufacturer's representatives to learn about the new products and how to use them properly.

The major paint companies - Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Pittsburgh Paints among them - have gone one step further by offering paints in every color and finish that are completely free of VOCs.

Because of the new laws, these water-based paints are far superior to the older versions of low VOC paint. Aside from the quality of the paints and overall health benefits, low VOC paints also have less of an odor. Additionally, they are not petroleum-based, which will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

So do your family and the environment a favor, and ask your painting contractor to use paints that are low or free of VOCs.