Allergies and asthma - Will Earthborn paints help?

Whilst it is not possible to say with certainty that someone will not have an adverse reaction to a product or ingredient, there are certain steps that the expert paint makers at Earthborn have taken to benefit those that suffer with asthma and allergies.

What does an allergic reaction to paint mean?

Typical reactions to paint products can include runny nose, sore throat and congestion; this is significantly down to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that many paints contain, a well-known allergen. This can often mean that even after paint has dried people will still suffer a terrible reaction, when all you want to do is enjoy the outcome of your hard work! Those who are most likely to suffer from the harmful effects of VOCs are children, the elderly, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, and those who are particularly sensitive to chemicals.

“The low-level effects of VOCs include throat, nose, and eye irritation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and vomiting, as well as more severe symptoms of asthma. Whilst these are treatable, long-term exposure can lead to an increased chance of cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, and central nervous system damage."

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals which let out toxic gases into the air from paints and other products at room temperature. Most VOCs are detectable by a strong odour, but they can be odourless and therefore undetectable. Whether odourless or not, the chemicals remain a danger to our health. Poor indoor air quality plays a huge part in the increase in asthma illnesses, along with mold, paint, varnishes, candles and air fresheners.

VOCs commonly released by conventional paints:

• Harmful  Benzene
• Ethylbenzene
• Ethylene Glycol
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Hexane
• Cyclohexane
• 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

How can Earthborn paints help?

We have many asthma and allergy sufferers who report benefits of using Earthborn during both the painting process and afterwards, allowing them to enjoy their freshly painted room. Earthborn product does this in a number of ways;

Earthborn take great care in selecting ingredients and list them on the side of the tin.

Earthborns most popular paint; Claypaint, has a high clay content, this helps to eliminate odours and contaminants in the air.

Another benefit to using clay in the Claypaint is that it emits negative ions; it is widely accepted that higher levels of negative ions can provide health and wellbeing benefits for both asthma and allergy sufferers.

Claypaint is also highly breathable; this evens out the humidity within a room, making your living environment significantly healthier and comfier.

And finally, our products produce less static electricity than alternatives on the market; this subsequently reduces the amount of dust and allergens within your living spaces

Our experts have carried out a tremendous amount of work to ensure that every possible measure is made to help allergy and asthma sufferers when using our paints, but there are also things you can do to further ensure you don’t suffer when decorating:

Separate your work from other living spaces; this can be done by taping plastic sheets across the doorway of the room you are painting, and will subsequently reduce the spread of allergen triggers to other areas of your home

Wear protective clothing, i.e. goggles and painting overalls, this will reduce your exposure to any allergens you come across

Ensure your workspace is fully ventilated – get an air purifier to remove VOCs and other toxins from your home.

Never store Volatile chemicals in your home. Even with the lid on, a can of standard paint can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.

Look instead for eco-friendly alternatives like green cleansers, virtually VOC-free paint, and construction materials made without formaldehyde.

Earthborn have taken all measures necessary to help prevent reactions for both those with allergies and asthma sufferers when developing their products, however we would always recommend testing first. You can purchase samples paint pots here. The exact colours are easier to see at larger scales with your particular lighting, wall texture and painting technique!

Unlike conventional paints, Earthborn Claypaint states its ingredients, so you can make an informed decision to buy true eco-friendly paint.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Various clays
• Chalk
• Kaolin
• Vinegar ester
• Methylcellulose
• Titanium dioxide (white and some colours)
• Pigments (some colours)
• 0.1% Synthetic preservative

Benefits:

• Traditional and contemporary shades.
  
• Distinctive style.
  
• Virtually VOC free, acrylic free, totally oil free.
  
• Certified free of harmful emissions.
  
• Odour free.
  
• Highly breathable, creating a more comfortable living environment.
  
• Minimises condensation & deters mildew.
  
• Static resistant.
  
• Can benefit allergy and asthma sufferers.
  
• Easy to apply, hard-wearing, great covering power.
  
• Can be used to paint furniture. 

Why is earthborn ‘eco’ paint a better choice than conventional paint?

Earthborn say; “Naturally our children’s rooms should be as safe an environment as possible, but many conventional paints include heavy metals, formaldehyde and nasties known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short. Those VOCs are transmitted while painting – and for up to five years after your paint has dried, so even paints with ‘low’ VOCs can have a negative impact.

Reassuringly, Earthborn paints are virtually free from VOCs making them especially ideal for little one’s rooms. But it doesn’t stop there. Our high performance products contain no oils or acrylics meaning no nasty emissions and better still, no smells, so Earthborn paints are safe in baby’s nurseries and even for expectant mum’s! We are proud to be the very first paint brand to have been awarded the official ‘Eco Label’. This make our paints truly eco friendly.”