Research shows us that more than 90% of the death occurrences are air pollution-related. This is as a result of breathing in air containing high levels of pollutants and household air pollution.
“Air pollution threatens us all, but the poorest and most marginalized people bear the brunt of the burden,” says Dr, Tedro Adhanom, Director-General of WHO.
LOW VOC PAINTS
What are VOCs?
VOCs are simply known as Volatile Organic Compounds, but more often than not we say ‘VOC’ for short. Volatile Organic Compounds are carbon-based chemicals that exist and operate in varying capacities which would be cross-examined as this blog progresses.
These chemicals are released into the atmosphere as gases from certain solids or liquids and slowly diffuse into the atmosphere. In paints, VOCs evaporate as paint dries.
VOC in paints:
Originally, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are used to aid the easy flow of paint, preserve paints and prevent rust for longer durability, this is why they are majorly found in solvent-based paints and coatings. In recent times, VOCs have been discovered to do more harm than good to users, especially in places with a tropical climate and during hot summer seasons, where one shouldn’t have to combat cooling off and fending off disadvantageous emissions around.
There are different amounts of VOCs that can be contained in paint, while some amounts are safe, others are considered harmful; to persons and the environment.
It is very much advised to use low VOC PAINTS for beautification of walls and surfaces as it suits all weather and climatic conditions.
Where can VOCs be found?
VOC can be found almost everywhere. At home, offices, school, gardens, in the lift, at the market and even your room!
Everyone should be aware of some specific dispensers of these carbon-based chemicals. It would benefit all to know that VOCs are found in almost all appliances and fixtures, even in personal items like glue or air freshener. Wooden pieces of furniture, carpet, trees, printers are carriers of VOCs, most especially in PAINTS. Not all paints have high VOCs composition, but many brands do.
This is not to advocate for complete neglect of the use and usefulness of these items, but to raise the consciousness of the causes and safety precautions against long exposure to VOCs. 
Effect of high exposure to VOCs on health
Nobody wants to intentionally breakdown health-wise, but the following are the consequences of being exposed too much to Volatile Organic Compounds:
- Air pollution
- Eyes irritation
- Headache
- Allergic skin reactions
- Fatigue
- Nervous system and organ damage
- Impaired memory
- The premature death of those already suffering from heart or lung diseases.
What to do about VOCs at home
VOCs can be controlled in so many ways, one of which is through the Source. Yes, the presence of VOC-emitting items can be reduced in the home by monitoring items being brought into the home.
Furthermore, increased ventilation in the home is also one of the ways to reduce VOC effects in the house. You could consider using an ‘air purifier’ all the time.
Also, smoking should be prohibited.
In addition, buy only cleaning tools and items that would be enough for immediate use, to avoid storing them in your home.
It is essential to follow all the necessary instructions on the product label. Products that are instructed to be aired should be aired, and the ones that should be out of children’s reach should be kept out of their ways. Follow all the instructions for the letter.
Do not forget to keep lids on tightly and store them in properly ventilated areas.
Try as much as possible to discard old tins or bottles and certain products with VOCs
in your home.
Use low VOC paints always.
What are low VOC paints and samples
Low VOC paints are modern paints with not more than 5g of VOC in a litre. This calculation is tested and proven to be safe for use anytime and anywhere. It is suitable and durable for all climate structures and seasons.
Paints with low VOCs have close to no effect on the home or body and they can be found around and close to you.
There are industries like Dulux, Taubmans, and Haymes which produce very low VOC paints. Their productions will be suitable for your wall, surfaces, interior designs, offices, and homes.
For your next painting project, shop any one of these most trusted Australian paint brands:
Dulux- Dulux offers sustainable solutions in their user and eco-friendly LOW VOC paints, ranging from Interior Low Sheen, Ceiling Flat, Acrylic Sealer Undercoat, Water Based Enamel Semi Gloss, to their other paint products. These paints are new and with an improved formula. They contain very low VOC, have low odour, help to prevent mould growth, are resistant to stain and are washable.
Message Dulux @ Dulux.com.au
Taubmans- At Taubmans’, you can also shop for any one of their LOW VOC paints. Easy to use and void of negative effects. Either the 3 in 1 Prep Paint, Easy Coat or 1 Paint+Prime, all of which have low VOC, are easy to apply and also resistant to scrub and stain.
You can also get the best results with the Taubmans’ “Endure” interior paint range for interior walls, kitchen and bathroom. These interior paints are sensitive choice approved and have a long-lasting guarantee.
Learn more and shop any one of the Taubmans’ paints of your choice here Taubmans.com.au
Haymes- Haymes provides you with a wide range of user-friendly and LOW VOC interior and exterior paint products, artisan collections, texture and timber finishes, eco care, protective and industrial coatings, as well as concrete pavings. You can shop for their Ultra Premium Prepcoat Ultracover, Elite Ceiling, New life Interior Wall Finish, Rustlock, Base Coat, Chalkboards Paint, Peel away Neutraliser, Unistrip, Derustit, Quick Lave Garage Floor Paving Paint, Paveshield Solvent among others which you can access on Haymespaint.com.au website.
Resene- Visit Resene for eco-friendly Primers and Sealers, Woodstain, Clear Finishes, Joinery and Trim paints, as well as interior and exterior paints with LOW VOC.
Resene Decorator Hi-opacity Ceiling Paint, Vintage Wax, Zylone Sheen, Lumbersider Waterborne Low Sheen, Woodsman Wood Oil Stain, Wood Primer, Rust Arrest, Woodsman Whitewash or Greywash and Aquaclear paints give you a professional touch and overall outlook.
Visit Resene.com.au for a professional talk.
One thing common to all our Brand Partners is that they all contribute to the safety of their users and the environment by providing LOW VOC paints.
Therefore, at ‘Spot Painting’, we offer you the best painting services you can get out there. Contact us.