Child Safe Paint
While some people believe health and safety rules and regulations have gone too far, there are times when our children need to be protected. Traditional household and commercial painting products contain Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) which are not only carcinogenic but also can cause a number of other health complaints, particularly in young children. When conducting an industrial painting project on facilities used by children, it is vital to not only use zero VOC paint but also to ensure the project is conducted safely and with no risk to children in the area.
Firstly, let’s explain exactly what VOCs are and what harm they can cause when they are used in paints. VOCs are solvent gases which paints release into the air both during the application process and for years once the project has been completed. Although invisible, we are all familiar with the smell of fresh paint: it is the VOCs which give paint that distinctive scent. Countries all over the world have limited the amount of VOCs allowed in paint products but have not banned them outright despite evidence of paint being the second highest distributor to VOCs into the atmosphere behind motor vehicles.
Linked to multiple health problems including skin conditions, headaches, dizziness and fatigue, kidney problems, lung infections and some forms of cancer, several studies have connected VOCs to the development of asthma in children, even when using paints conforming to the legal limits. The risk increases by 300% for every 10 units of Benzene and Toluene in the product. VOCs have detrimental effects on our environment as well and are partially responsible for our current climate change predicament. It is clear from the scientific research that VOCs are harmful to everyone who come into contact with them. As adults, we are capable of making decision in regards to our exposure to these products. Children, however, cannot and those who have a duty of care over them need to take protective measures when it comes to minimising their exposure to VOCs. One of the biggest culprits of elevated VOC levels are interior industrial painting projects.
In recent years, more paint companies are developing paint with low VOC levels but this is not the same as zero VOC paint. Ecolour is an Australian-based brand which exclusively makes zero VOC paint, promoting a healthier, more environmentally friendly way of painting. When it comes to industrial painting projects, minimising the risk to the clients after the commercial painting task has been completed is of paramount importance. Projects completed using Ecolour’s zero VOC paint are ideal for child-friendly areas because the space does not need to be aired out once completed. Grange Banks always uses Ecolour products for all of our commercial painting projects to minimise disruption to our clients’ day to day activities.
When it comes to industrial painting projects in areas used by children, it is more important than ever to minimise their exposure to harmful chemicals. Grange Banks Commercial Coatings has experience working with schools and leisure facilities used by children every day. We strive not only to complete every project in a professional and timely manner but also put the needs and health of our clients first. Every commercial painting task Grange Banks accepts is completed using Ecolour’s zero VOC paint; illustrating our dedication both to your health and our environment. We also have a 100% safety record which we proudly uphold on every project. Contact us today to arrange a free site visit and learn more about our child-safe painting techniques.
