It's widely accepted that household paint is full of dodgy substances, after all there are enough warnings on the tin, but do we really know what's in it? Here's a list of some of the goodies, the comments in red are to give an idea and not exhaustive:
* animal products (the mind boggles)
* heavy metals - lead, cadmium, mercury etc.,
* formaldehyde (classified as a probable human carcinogen, and listed by the US) and acrolein Cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes contain acrolein which causes burning of the nose and throat and can damage the lungs)
* vinyl chloride (a colourless gas that can cause dizziness or worse if breathed in in large quantities)
* phthalates ( observed to correlate with hormonal changes and birth defects, as well as other damage to the liver and reproductive system of rats. Some studies have been done which also indicate harmful effects on humans)
* APEO (a surfactant - has poor biodegradability, is toxic and can act as an endocrine disrupter)
* solvents and white spirit, turpentine, terpenes, ethereal oils, VOC'S glycols,
coalescents
* Acrylic Softeners (damaging to the environment)
Worried? Check out this eco paints site passed on by Caroline.
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