But, that tell-tale odor is actually evidence that harmful VOCs originating from mercury, formaldehyde and solvents are at large in the air. And, they remain long after the smell is gone. In fact, VOCs from the application of paint continue to gather on carpeting, upholstery and other surfaces and linger for many years. When exposed to sunlight, they contribute to nearly ten percent of ground-level ozone pollution levels. A greener alternative to using latex paint is milk paint made from earth pigments, clay, lime and a milk derivative known as casein.
Milk paint is sold as a powder to be mixed with water and is available in a wide variety of colors.
Lead-based paints have been banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission from the market since 1978, but if you live in an older home there may be traces of it lurking. Home test kits are available to easily determine the presence of lead in painted surfaces if this is a concern. However, if you should discover the existence of leaded paint in your home, you re better off covering it with a non-toxic paint or sealant rather than attempting to remove it the dust from such remediation can cause more problems than the paint itself. Toxins That Come out of the Woodwork Wood used in making furniture and cabinetry often contain preservatives that contain arsenic and formaldehyde. The best way to minimize VOC emissions from existing wood furnishings is to coat them with a non-toxic sealant.