Springtime has a way of motivating many of us to tackle those
home improvement projects. Like the fresh new flowers of spring, a fresh coat
of paint can liven us up. If you have a painting project
on your plate, here are some tips that can help you.
1. Choose low
VOC paint, ideally less than 50 grams per liter (gpl). VOC stands
for volatile organic compounds. VOCs give paint its consistency and evaporate
as it dries. Short-term health effects of VOC exposure can include eye
irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Long-term exposure can
lead to damage of the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Pregnant
women, children, and people with respiratory problems have higher health risks.
Ask your local paint vendor for low VOC paint options before you make your
purchasing decision. Be aware that adding color to paint can add VOCs.
2. Buy the
right amount of paint for the job. To estimate how much paint you need
by calculating one gallon of paint for every 400 square feet. Purchasing the
right amount of paint will reduce the amount of paint you have leftover to
store or dispose of.
3. Ventilate
properly. Ventilating the area well helps lower exposure to VOCs. Keep
windows open and use an exhaust fan to draw fumes from the home. Regular air
conditioners do not filter indoor air. Read the paint label carefully and
follow the recommended safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, goggles, and
a respirator. Dust masks do not protect against VOCs. If you are using
oil-based paint, the health risks are greater and there is an added risk of
fire. Take extra care to keep oil-based paints and materials stained with
oil-based paints away from sources of flames or sparks.
4. Store
leftover paint safely. Hopefully you don’t have a lot of paint leftover to
store. Store it in the original container and check to see if you can still
read the label. If paint has dripped down the sides, make a new label that
includes the contents and the date. Cover the opening with plastic wrap and
then tightly secure the lid over it. Be sure to keep all paint and paint
products completely out
of reach of children.
5. Dispose of
paint properly. Latex paints are not considered hazardous. They can be solidified
and put in the regular trash with the lid off. To solidify latex paint, mix in
shredded paper, kitty litter, dried grass clippings, or a commercially
available paint drying gel. When the paint is an oatmeal-like consistency and
will not spill out, it can be placed in the regular trash with the lid off.
When the lid is off, a garbage collector can see that there is no longer liquid
paint in the container and process the garbage as needed. When liquids are
placed in the trash, they can cause damage throughout the garbage collection
process.
Oil-based paints are hazardous materials. Take oil-based
paints to HazoHouse
for free and safe disposal. You can also donate leftover paint to local theatre
groups, schools, or other groups in need. You can also list unwanted items at www.2good2toss.com.
Have fun with your spring projects!
