Archive for Wednesday 17th July 2002 - Organic paints

A whole new generation of paints and household materials is set to bring a healthy revolution to the world of D-I-Y.

Some traditional paints used to transform our living-spaces can trigger unwanted side-effects, such as asthma, eczema and other allergies. Researchers also believe that some decorating products may be responsible for ‘sick-building syndrome’ where sufferers are left feeling lethargic and permanently off-colour.

Help for sufferers could now be just a brush stroke away. Lancashire-based Ecos Organic Paints and a German-based company, Biofa, are just two of the firms bringing eco-friendly solvent-free paints on to the market. The paints themselves do not emit harmful chemicals. Some brands also help neutralise the volatile chemicals present in every DIY enthusiast’s favourite materials, MDF and plywood and also the chemicals found in new carpets and many other everyday household products.

Independent expert on healthy homes, Gina Lazenby welcomes the change: “Always ask the question, ‘Is there a product we can use which is neither harmful to our families nor to the environment and will keep our homes healthy?’ ”

Ecos founder, Ian West, 47, went into paint production when he discovered his own allergic reaction to some chemicals. Ian, a scientific consultant, has even developed a radiation-shielding paint to protect against emissions from power cables and mobile phone masts.

Another company active in this growing market is Eco Solutions whose Home Strip Paint Remover has taken much of the chemical and health danger out of stripping doors or walls at home. The product uses water-based technology rather than solvent-based materials.

For more information: www.ecospaints.com; www.strip-paint.com; or www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk.

Mark Winter