Less Toxic Paint

Here's a website for the paint that is less toxic than those widely used. The ICI brand is available close by: 476 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA 94070 Ph: 650-591-6656. I'd give them a call and tell them what you want (the least toxic, interior, water-based paint, preferably with NO VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

http://www.icipaintstores.com/about/index.html

Each paint company is required to produce a product data sheet (called a Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS) to warn users of the toxic materials in the paint. You can find out about ICI paints at:

http://www.iciduluxpaints.com/msd/index.html

Second best choice is Benjamin Moore Eco-Spec which is available at California Paint and Wallpaper on California Ave. in Palo Alto. The manager there is very helpful.

While these paints may still contain other toxic substances, (even NO VOC paint can still contain other chemicals), VOCs are the worst. It takes about one to two months to outgas (release the toxic fumes) to the point where the smell is not be detectable, though it takes much longer to completely outgas, especially if there is not good air flow. Exposure to paint toxic fumes may damage the immune system and be a contributing factor to some of the illnesses that are becoming more common, such as multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, and asthma. More info at:

http://immuneweb.org/articles/nppaints.html

Kelly Moore paint is the WORST so please don't use this.

Though the less toxic paint may cost a little more, it is well worth it to avoid the worst toxic chemicals.

...Marylyn Genovese