Is Paint Toxic? How to Limit Its Effect on Your Health

Over the last few years, several types of paint have been banned due to the risks they pose to exposed professionals and dwellers alike. Today, numerous manufacturers affirm that their products are safe and reliable, even eco-friendly, further validated by specific logos featured on their labels. However, the composition of certain types of paint is far from reassuring. 

Chemical additives, pigments with volatile organic compounds (VOC), biocides, heavy metals... Several highly toxic products are still, to this day, added to paint to improve the product’s performance or prevent mould or bacteria growth.

What Are the Symptoms of Toxic Paint and Fume Exposure?

Synthetic paints are made with ingredients issued from petrochemicals and heavy chemicals. The toxic products they contain are released during application and well after.

The fumes released linger in the air for several months. Water-based paints are less toxic and contain fewer solvents. However, they aren’t free of chemical substances.

The Impact of Paint Pigments, Chemicals, and Other Ingredients on Your Health

Synthetic paints and their solvents are hazardous to the planet’s health and that of humans.

Even so-called safer paints contain glycol ethers, which are primarily absorbed through the skin, irritating it and the mucous membrane. They also present a long-term blood toxicity risk and affect the proper functioning of the reproductive system. 

Some effects are recognized for most solvents while others are specific to certain substances. Note, however, that solvents tend to affect fatty organs in particular, such as the brain, liver, and kidneys. 

VOCs found in solvents and pigments are also extremely hazardous. They seep into the lungs, reaching the bloodstream, heart, and brain, affecting the targeted organs. Their effects manifest differently: itchy eyes and throat, inflamed respiratory airways (rhinitis, asthma, etc.), cardiac or digestive problems (nausea, liver and kidney lesions in case of prolonged exposure), nervous system problems, headaches, carcinogenic and mutagen effects, the list goes on.

VOCs: An Invisible Hazard

According to Environment Canada, volatile organic compounds issued from industrial processes might be the most harmful. 

VOCs aren’t only found in pigments, they’re also used to improve the paint’s viscosity and adherence. Some of the upsides of this add-on include a quicker drying time. The fast-tracked evaporation that occurs translates into a significant release of most VOCs into the air in the days following the application. 

In humans, VOC exposure can cause the discomforts and health problems listed above. The environmental impact isn’t any less given that volatile organic compounds interfere with the ozone formation process, contributing to climate change.

Manufacturers like Benjamin Moore and Laurentide offer zero-VOC colours.

Lead-Based Paints: A Serious Threat

Lead poisoning can cause anemia, including damage to the brain and nervous system.

Since 1990, paints manufactured for the public, whether made in Canada or the United States, contain practically no lead at all. While homes built after said year shouldn’t be a cause for concern, walls built between 1960 and 1990 were most likely painted with lead-based paints.

Worn-out, flaking paint, such as that removed as a result of renovation work, exposes occupants to severe health hazards. The risk is all the more present for vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women. Even small amounts of dust can pose a serious risk to toddlers and young children, who, due to their rapid development, are highly susceptible to absorbing lead. At this time, there isn’t a safe level when it comes to lead exposure. To learn how to proceed to safely remove lead paint in older homes, check out the Government of Canada webpage: Lead-based paint.

How to Tell If a Paint Is Toxic

While certain products are without a doubt more toxic than others, choosing a health-friendly paint is still quite challenging. In fact, even the “zero-VOC” logo featured on labels doesn’t guarantee that the product in question is hazardless.

The list of ingredients printed on the label is often incomplete and sometimes, the information provided in small print could prompt you not to purchase the product, such as the VOC content. 

Indeed, even Environment Canada doesn’t regulate “VOC-free” or “zero-VOC” logos, which means that manufacturers can easily play around with the wording and numbers. 

Is Paint Still Toxic After It Dries?

On top of fumes that are still health-hazardous months after application, paint can pose a significant health risk when it starts chipping or flaking, even more so when it’s within reach of young children who tend to put everything in their mouths. When it comes to older, lead-based paint, it’s best to remove it carefully and safely by adhering to recommended safety guidelines.

Precautionary Measures When Using Industrial Paints

Exposure to high doses of solvents can lead to acute intoxication. Regular exposure to low doses of one or several solvents can lead to serious long-term health consequences for certain organs.

Here are recommendations to follow when applying industrial paint:

• Wear a mask with a filter 

• Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with paint and other chemical products

• Wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from splatter

• Wash your hands with specially-made soap after working and before eating

• Avoid using white spirit (mineral spirits) as a stain remover—this product is also health-hazardous

Can I Sleep in a Freshly Painted Room? The Importance of Airing Out Paint Fumes

Paint releases hazardous fumes into the air, which are absorbed by pulmonary alveoli. VOCs are airborne contaminants found in homes that can affect the health of dwellers.

Proper ventilation is key, and using an air purifier is highly recommended. While ionizers also exist to purify the air, this type of device does release a gas (ozone) that can also be detrimental to one’s health.

What Is the Least Hazardous Paint?

The least hazardous paints for humans and the environment can be categorized into three groups:

1. Eco-friendly, zero-VOC, or low-VOC paint

2. Eco-friendly, recycled paint

3. Green, natural paint

The majority of manufacturers now offer safer alternatives. However, don’t rely solely on brand names or logos printed on labels. A lot of brands that claim to be eco-friendly aren’t necessarily so. 

For more information, check out our article dedicated to eco-friendly paint.

What Type of Paint Is the Least Toxic?

Vegan or mineral-based, all-natural paints (silicate, lime, milk, clay, natural resins, natural oils, etc.) are made with renewable and raw biodegradable ingredients. Water-based paints are typically the least toxic and promote a safer, healthier indoor environment. 

Advantages:

• They contain low-toxicity ingredients.

• They're free of environmentally hazardous materials.

• They’re anti-static, limiting dust pulls to reduce mite proliferation. They’re a great alternative for people suffering from respiratory issues.

• Limewash paint has an elevated pH level and makes for the perfect anti-mould system for damp or humid areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms. No need to use toxic, antifungal chemical products.

• Dry residue can also be discarded with household waste, and can also be composted at times.

• Powder paint reduces haulage needs (no need for hauling litres of water).

Are Health Hazards Limited with Non-Toxic Acrylic Latex Paint?

The launch of latex paints marked the end of several highly toxic products.

The upsides aren’t lacking: anti-static, fewer solvents and VOCs, significantly lower neurological toxicity, no particular odour, and non-flammability. Even if they make for a healthier and safer environment for children and pregnant women, acrylic latex paints aren’t entirely free of toxic substances.

While water-based synthetic paints (latex, acrylic) are less toxic and pollutant compared to synthetic paints with solvents, they’re still essentially made with ingredients issued from the petrochemical industry and always contain microscopic synthetic particles that pollute water streams.

Green Paint: A Safer Alternative

To be considered green or eco-friendly, paint must be free of heavy metals, hazardous substances, and carcinogenic agents.

Truly green paint doesn’t release toxic fumes, cause eye or throat irritation, and is safe for all dwellers, no matter their age or the state of their health. Naturally, as the name states, they’re also environmentally responsible and release zero VOCs into the atmosphere.

However, beware of false claims. Several products branded as “green” aren’t actually eco-friendly. If you don’t want to be tricked into buying a misleading product, stick with recycled paint.

Paint-Related Regulations in Canada

At the request of increasingly demanding customers and following the introduction of new regulations, the paint industry embraced a green movement by creating formulas that aren’t dangerous to human health and safer for the environment.

While the regulation in question is stricter in some European countries, Canada has established safer standards and has banned different chemical compounds. Latex paint meets the requirements implemented by Canadian regulations regarding VOC levels found in architectural coatings.

Environmental Impact of Paint: A Concerning Reality

Even if many of the products retailed today offer greener alternatives, VOCs pollute the air and destroy the ozone layer. Similarly, even when consumers opt for greener products, tiny toxic particles are nonetheless released, further polluting water streams.

As consumers, we have to continue to question the impact chemical substances have on our health and environment, those used in the manufacturing process of paints, and even recycled products. 

Moreover, all other hazardous products, paint, or solvents, must be disposed of safely and responsibly at eco centres once obsolete.