Zero-VOC Paint: Nursery Design

One of the first things expectant parents do when designing a nursery is pick paint colors - some prefer calming pastels, others bright and bold hues. Thanks to many new and ever safer options in zero-VOC paint, choosing a safe, high performing, non-toxic paint is as possible as it is important.

 

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) evaporate at room temperature, contribute to GHGs and smog, and can off-gas chemicals that trigger asthma and other health problems. The smell of fresh paint is an indicator that chemicals (synthetic and natural) are being released into your home. 

 

Low-VOC paints have less VOCs, but can still contain harmful chemicals. Often the tints added to paint also contain harmful chemicals and add to the VOC amount. Do a bit of research and look into a paint's claim at being "eco-friendly." 

 

Zero-VOC paints tinted with a zero-VOC tint are the best option. Always ask the business tinting your latex paint which tint they use and if it is zero or low VOC. I've personally worked with YOLO Colorhouse and loved the results. There are companies--like YOLO--who only make safer paints and focus on their company's ecological footprint , and then there are brands who continue to make unsafe paint and have added a line of "environmentally responsible options." I've been hearing great things about Mythic lately. Maybe a few weekends from now I'll be popping open a gallon to roll onto our kitchen walls...

A recent New York Times review of eco-paints looks at the VOC levels and performance, plus the odor (I didn't think Yolo smells like sour milk).

If you are picking paints and looking for painters, consider one of Chicago's green painting companies. Pick someone who is talented, knowledgeable and uses sustainable practices. Nichole Lovett of Harmony Haus, uses many Green Seal certified products, and performs her work while keeping a low environmental impact. She is often seen riding her bicycle with a trailer to her residential and commercial job sites. 

 

Nichole is certified by the EPA to properly and safely perform work in homes built prior to 1978 and structures that will contain children, where lead contamination and poisoning can be a concern.

 

If your home was built before 1978, it is good practice to wipe your windowsills with a damp cloth. Lead paint is considered hazardous when it is peeling, chipping or cracking. Please do not attempt to remove paint suspected of being lead-based yourself. Do not let children chew on any older, painted toys or furniture, such as cribs or playpens.

 

Do your research before buying paint. While the most expensive option isn't guaranteed to be the safest, the least expensive paint isn't likely to be either. Remember when planning a paint job that prepping your walls and materials can often take longer than the painting itself. Skipping the preparation (cleaning, sanding, drop cloths) can often lead to having to re-paint sooner (I know this from experience!). 

Check out deals on paint and nursery supplies at The Green Mama's Favorite Resources Page. 

Photos: Harmony Haus