Nothing can transform a room faster than a new coat of paint. But did you know that in addition to that fantastic new color is the immediate addition of pollutant levels up to 1,000 times outdoor levels? EPA studies have shown that VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) emitted from traditional household paint result in your living room having 2 to 5 times more pollutants than the air outside.
These elevated pollution levels can have significant health ramifications including: eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, allergic skin reaction, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system and possibly cancer.
According to the Paint Quality Institute, VOCs are not just bad for your health, they are bad for the environment too. The industry group claims traditional paints make up 10% of the ozone depleting substances in the US.
So how do you avoid these high levels of VOCs during your next decorating project?
Thankfully, due to consumer demand, there are now many low and no-VOC paint options. These paints have a significantly diminished level of VOCs with the results that you expect of traditional paint.
In fact, Michelle Quaranta, owner of Colori Eco Paint Boutique in Bucktown, has bet her business on the low-VOC value proposition. In business for 3 years, Colori carries independently owned lines of low and no-VOC paint.
"Buying eco-friendly paint need not be limiting, nor bland, but instead should and can be inspiring, modern, and reflective of the latest color trends," says Quaranta. In fact, Colori asserts it is America's first paint company to employ a 16 colorant European tinting system -- compared to North America's 12 colorant system -- offering a total 496 handcrafted colors.
While Colori is all-things-paint in products and expertise, no-VOC paints are also available at eco-home stores like Healthy Green Goods in Evanston and Green Depot in Chicago.
Colori's newest paint line, Mythic Paint, is a, locally made, non-toxic, ultra low odor paint line. Colori will be hosting a launch party tonight from 6-9pm at the boutique (2243 W. North Ave). Everyone is welcome to stop by the reception, enjoy music from DJ Ron Trent and test out the Mythic Paint line.
