Small Things = Big Difference : Using NonToxic Paint


Traditionally, paint has all kinds of nasty stuff in it: petro-chemicals, solvents, mercury, formaldehyde, benzene, lead, cadmium, chromium, dibutyl and diethyl phthalate. This scary chemical cocktail then releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air.

You might assume that the VOCS are only a problem with a freshly painted room and that you can 'air it out' after painting. But it turns out that paint and other finishes release low level toxic emissions for years.

We used non-toxic paint for the first time a few years ago. It didn't go on very smoothly and chipped off very fast in areas like over heating ducts. But, we painted a few months ago with some of the newer stuff and it went on perfectly and looks great; no chipping.

Non-toxic paint, along with non-toxic cleaning supplies and air purifiers- we recently got an Advanced Pure Air purifier for our bedroom and noticed a difference almost immediately- are small things that can make a huge difference.

Van Gogh (and other painters) went crazy from the heavy metals and toxins in their paint. The expression "mad as a hatter" refers to all the chemicals used to shape hats, which eventually caused neural damage to the hat makers- who became the town "crazies". Today we have more of a choice about the chemicals we work and live with, so when people call you 'mad as a hatter' you will know it is just because you have been showing up in bunny slippers and metallic blue eye shadow at bus stops and PTA meetings and not because you have been inhaling toxic chemicals.

(or maybe that's just me)


1. Very cool red bicycle with paint by number background by Doecdoe
2. Adorable little paint by number bib by HushBabyCo
3. Awesome vintage paint by number notecard set by Busguss
4. Stunning green paint by numbers plate bracelet by The Broken Plate
5. Beautiful paint by number deer purse by TheSeaWithin
6. Amazing letterpress paint by number bird card by LarkPress

1 comment

kella said...

no birthday post?! happy b-day!