Non-toxic paints: the conscious choice for healthy and harmonious environments

Non-toxic paints: the conscious choice for healthy and harmonious environments

As a professional architect, my priority has always been to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also healthy and comfortable for my clients. In this context, the choice of materials is fundamental and non-toxic paints take on a role of primary importance, especially when it comes to living environments, schools, nurseries and places frequented by children or people with allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Why are non-toxic paints the right choice?

Traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), substances harmful to health that can cause:

• Eye, respiratory, and skin irritation: Common symptoms include itching, redness, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.

• Allergies: VOCs can trigger allergic reactions in people already predisposed, with symptoms such as asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis.

• Neurological problems: Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and, in some cases, permanent neurological damage. Non-toxic paints, on the other hand, are formulated with natural or low environmental impact ingredients, free of VOCs and other harmful chemical agents.

They offer numerous advantages:

• Better indoor air quality: By reducing VOC emissions, non-toxic paints help create a healthier indoor environment free of pollutants. This is a fundamental advantage for all environments, but becomes even more important in contexts such as:

• Nurseries and schools: Where children spend a lot of time and are particularly vulnerable to pollutants.

• Hospitals and nursing homes: Where air quality is critical to the well-being of patients and guests.

• Homes of people with allergies or asthma: Where the presence of VOCs can trigger annoying symptoms and compromise health.

• Lower risk of allergies and respiratory problems: The absence of harsh chemicals makes non-toxic paints ideal for people with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities. This is a fundamental aspect for those who suffer from these problems and want to live in a healthy and comfortable environment.

• Increased safety for children and pets: Non-toxic paints are safer for children and pets who may accidentally ingest or come into contact with the paint. This is a critically important item for families with small children or pets.

• Reduced environmental impact: The production and use of non-toxic paints have a lower impact on the environment than traditional paints. This aspect is important for those who are attentive to eco-sustainability and want to make conscious choices that reduce their impact on the planet.

How to choose the non-toxic paints best suited to your needs: There are different types of non-toxic paints on the market, each with specific characteristics. To choose the paint best suited to your needs, it is important to consider some fundamental factors:

• Type of surface to be painted: Non-toxic paints can be used on various surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, floors, wood and metal. It is important to choose a specific paint for the type of surface to be painted to ensure optimal performance and good adhesion.

• Desired colour: Non-toxic paints are available in a wide range of colors to suit every taste and need. You can choose between soft and pastel colors, bright and intense colors or neutral and classic colors.

• Desired finish level: Non-toxic paints can have a matte, satin or gloss finish. The choice of finish depends on the desired aesthetic effect and the type of environment in which the paint will be applied.

• Certifications: There are various certifications that attest to the non-toxicity of paints, such as the ECARF (European Center for Allergy Research Foundation) certification and the NATURFARBE (Natural Paint) certification. Choosing a paint with a recognized certification guarantees a high quality and safe product for your health.

Some of the most important brands of high quality non-toxic paints: 1. Keim: A leader in the production of natural silicate-based mineral paints, Keim offers a wide range of interior and exterior products, known for their high breathability, resistance to abrasion and mold, and antibacterial properties. Certifications: ECARF, Natureplus, Blauer Engel Ideal for: Homes, public buildings, schools, hospitals, historical monuments 2. Voca: Voca stands out for its wide range of non-toxic paints and enamels for interiors and exteriors, formulated with natural and biodegradable ingredients. It offers solutions for walls, floors, wood and metal, with a particular focus on aesthetics and sustainability. Certifications: ECARF, LEED, GreenGuard Gold Ideal for: Homes, offices, commercial premises, restaurants, schools 3.Natural Paint: Specializing in lime-based paints and natural pigments, Natural Paint offers eco-friendly and VOC-free products, ideal for creating healthy and harmonious environments. Its paints are particularly appreciated for their breathability and ability to regulate the humidity of environments. Certifications: Ecolabel, NATURFARBE Ideal for: Homes, green building, restoration of frescoes and wall paintings 4. Novacolor: Novacolor stands out for its line of certified ecological paints and enamels, made with high quality raw materials and respecting the environment. It offers a wide range of colors and finishes to satisfy every aesthetic need. Certifications: ECARF, LEED, GreenGuard Gold Ideal for: Homes, offices, commercial premises, hotels, restaurants 5. EcoPaints: EcoVernici offers eco-friendly water-based paints and enamels, free of solvents and VOCs. Its paints are certified and guaranteed, offering high wear resistance and easy application. Certifications: ECARF, Ecolabel, ICQ Ideal for: Homes, schools, nurseries, hospitals, public environments

6. Acotres: Acotres specializes in the production of wall paints based on clay and natural pigments, free of chemical additives and VOCs. Its paints are particularly suitable for green building and for the creation of healthy and comfortable environments. Certifications: Natureplus, Ecolabel Ideal for: Homes, green building, public buildings, schools, nurseries 7. Levis: Levis offers a line of non-toxic paints with low VOC emissions, formulated with innovative technologies that guarantee high quality and low environmental impact. Its paints are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Certifications: LEED, GreenGuard Gold Ideal for: Homes, offices, commercial premises, restaurants, hotels 8. San Marco: San Marco offers a line of non-toxic water-based paints, free of formaldehyde and solvents. Its paints are certified and guaranteed, offering high wear resistance and easy application. Certifications: ECARF, ICQ Ideal for: Homes, schools, nurseries, hospitals, public environments 9. Fenix: Fenix ​​specializes in the production of wall paints based on lime and natural pigments, free of chemical additives and VOCs. Its paints are particularly suitable for the restoration of frescoes and wall paintings, and for the creation of environments with a refined aesthetic effect. Certifications: Ecolabel Ideal for: Restoration of frescoes and wall paintings, homes, green building 10. Oikos: Oikos stands out for its line of natural paints based on vegetable oils and mineral pigments, free of solvents and VOCs. Its paints based on vegetable oils and mineral pigments represent the ideal choice for those who want to create healthy, comfortable environments with high aesthetic value. Certifications: CARF, Natureplus and LEED Ideal for: solutions for every need, from wall paints to wood and metal enamels, including exterior paints and decorative finishes.

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arch. Alessandra Bodda - architetturadesignstudio