Why Zero-VOC

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in regular paints are harmful to humans, our pets, and the broader environment. Most of us are blissfully unaware of what VOCs are and what we can do to avoid them. Worldwide there is growing consensus that VOCs, particularly in indoor air are hurting us, and are being legislated against, however, Australia is lagging behind in this regard.

At Ecolour, we’re proud to be a market leader in using breakthrough technology to manufacture premium quality water-based paint that is 100% free of VOCs. VOC free means the paint is safe to use around the chemically sensitive, asthma sufferers, pregnant women, children, pets and you.

Ecolour are paints independently tested and certified as zero-VOC. Ecolour is the first licensee to have its products certified under GECA’s new Paints and Coatings standard after passing its audit with DLCS International.

Other paints which are classified as “low VOC” can still contain up to 7.5% VOC (even some companies that claim to be “zero VOC” aren’t in fact zero, be sure to read the fine print on the product data sheets!). VOCs outgas for years after application continuing to impact on the indoor air quality of your work and living environments.

A Better Painting Experience

1. Order Online

Easy online ordering with free delivery to your door (for orders over $150*)

2. Easy Application

Glides on smooth, wash up in water

3. Breathe Easy

Enjoy your freshly painted room immediately, breathe easy know the air is VOC free

The importance of indoor air quality

The VOCs in regular paints can outgas for up to 5 years after application

We spend an average of 90% of our time indoors, and 65% of that is inside our own homes. Living in a home with high indoor air pollution levels can be more dangerous than living in a highly polluted city! Indoor air pollutants may be significantly higher than outdoor levels according to many CSIRO reports. Children, the elderly, and those who are health sensitive are even more susceptible to air pollution than healthy adults. VOCs are the most common form of indoor air pollutants and include gases emitted from paints, sprays, cleaning products, building materials, printers and more. Most VOCs cause serious health problems and can’t be detected by smell.

Most of this offgassing occurs when products are new, or when walls are freshly painted for instance, after which it lessens. However, there are studies which show unhealthy levels of VOCs in indoor air up to 5 years after the application of products containing VOCs.

Indoor air pollution isn’t always immediately apparent. While there are tell-tale signs such as headaches, irritated eyes, nose and throat, dizziness and fatigue – as you might experience walking into a freshly painted room – more serious and permanent effects such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer take time to develop.

Odourless and otherwise, the pollutants inside our home can be up to ten times worse than the outside air. This is partly due to the focus on making our homes energy efficient and secure from outdoor leaks and drafts. It is difficult for our immune systems to keep up with the abundance of circulating particles, germs, and gases that are kept inside our tightly secured homes. This is evident in the increasing occurrence of allergies, asthma and other breathing disorders.

While some VOCs are unavoidable – for example, when it comes to certain specialised cleaning products – it is possible to drastically reduce your exposure simply by actions such as painting your walls with zero-VOC paint (painted walls typically cover around 80% of indoor surface areas!)

Sources:

Cheng, M., Gallbally, I., Molloy, S., Selleck, P., Keywood, M., Lawson, S., Powell, J., Gillett, R., Dunne, E., 2016, ‘Factors Controlling Volatile Organic Compounds in Dwellings in Melbourne, Australia’, Indoor Air, Vol. 26: 2, pp. 219 – 230.
Department of Health and Ageing, 2003, ‘Healthy Homes: A guide to Indoor Air Quality in the Home for Buyers, Builders and Renovators’, Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government.
Gelder, J. & Onyon, L., 2001, ‘An Introduction to Chemical Risks in the Build Environment’, Environment Design Guide, PRO 4, Australian Institute of Architects, Melbourne.
Total Environment Centre, 2001, ‘Safer Solutions: Keeping Your Home Healthy and Green’, Total Environment Centre, Sydney. http://www.safersolutions.org.au/