Re: [GBlist] Sherwin Williams paint question

["Andy Pace" <andy@safebuildingsolutions.com>]

> You are correct about adding VOCs as paints get darker.

Beverly,

I write this not to scold you or anyone else on this list.  It just that
there is so much mis-information put out by the big paint manufacturers and
it frustrates me to no end.

I've been tinting AFM SafeCoat paint for almost nine years now; the last two
I have been using VOC-free pigments.  We can tint from off-white to black
without adding VOC's.  It's not really a big deal to us because once
Safecoat paint cures, it is completely sealed from outgassing anyway.  Keep
in mind, however, that not all VOC's are hazardous or toxic to humans, and
not all toxins are VOC's.  AFM uses propylene glycol in their paint in lieu
of ethylene glycol.  Propylene glycol is an FDA approved food-grade additive
used extensively in the commercial baking industry to keep cakes and
brownies moist.  Propylene glycol is not considered a toxin.  Ethylene
glycol is antifreeze for your car.  Highly toxic to all living things.  Both
are considered VOC's.  One is not toxic, one is.  In order for the typical
paint manufacturer to get around the VOC regulations,  they use
"unregulated" chemicals in place of the VOC's.  For example, the US has
given a specific exemption to paint manufacturers to use acetone and thus it
is not considered a regulated VOC here.  They take out the toxic chemicals
that are considered VOC's and replace them with toxic chemicals that are not
considered VOC's.  Standard practice.  Other ingredients commonly used in
paints and finishes include: ammonia, crystalline silica (a carcinogen),
masking agents (chemicals that will hide the "paint" smell) and formaldehyde
precursors (they create formaldehyde in the paint film during the curing
process).  The list goes on.

That is why we ONLY work with AFM Safecoat products.  Every product they
have is made to be the least toxic to humans as possible.  A twenty-five
year track record of supplying materials to those who are chemically
sensitive says a lot.  Please do not fall for the same broken record that
the big companies play for us.  They want us all to believe that the VOC
level says it all.  When it comes to human health and indoor air quality,
lowering the VOC content of building materials doesn't really cut it.  You
need to worry more about the toxicity of the product and whether or not it
will outgas toxic chemicals.

My apologies if I offended anyone.  Thank you all for listening to me.

Andrew Pace, CSI
Safe Building Solutions
Waukesha, WI
800-697-5371




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