The United States Environment Protection Authority lists eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system as some of the potential adverse health effects of VOCs. More disturbingly, some organics can cause cancer in animals and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. See the for more information. Even though indoor air quality is affected by VOCs much more than outdoors, it is still worth considering the chemicals released into the surrounding environment when painting the exterior or landscaping. Using recycled timbers and steel in furniture items is a good way to avoid introducing VOCs into your home, provided there is no old paint on the items that could contain lead. Recycled materials also mean fewer new resources are consumed when we change our décor. Choose classic pieces that will last through fashion styles. If you are getting rid of items no longer required, try selling them at a garage sale or a website such as eBay, Gumtree or the Trading Post. If they sell, give them away to a charity organisation, friend or colleague rather don’t than taking them to landfill. If you are buying new furniture for your home, forget you can buy second hand don’t online or try your local op shops for a bargain. Search the internet for ‘recycled decorating and see what sparks your interest. ideas’ Furniture and Finishes Source Guide Application Product Sustainable Features Source Paints stains Grimes Low toxicity paints, low Grimes and Sons and renders paints, stains emissions with sustainably Research and renders sourced additives, low – 03 9437 0733 interior and embodied energy. exterior Paints stains Porters Low toxicity paints, no- and Grimes and Sons and renders Paints low- VOCs using plant, milk – Research interior and mineral bases. 03 9437 0733 limewash,
The United States Environment Protection Authority lists eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system as some of the potential adverse health effects of VOCs. More disturbingly, some organics can cause cancer in animals and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. See the for more information. Even though indoor air quality is affected by VOCs much more than outdoors, it is still worth considering the chemicals released into the surrounding environment when painting the exterior or landscaping. Using recycled timbers and steel in furniture items is a good way to avoid introducing VOCs into your home, provided there is no old paint on the items that could contain lead. Recycled materials also mean fewer new resources are consumed when we change our décor. Choose classic pieces that will last through fashion styles. If you are getting rid of items no longer required, try selling them at a garage sale or a website such as eBay, Gumtree or the Trading Post. If they don’t sell, give them away to a charity organisation, friend or colleague rather than taking them to landfill. If you are buying new furniture for your home, don’t forget you can buy second hand online or try your local op shops for a bargain. Search the internet for ‘recycled decorating ideas’ and see what sparks your interest. Furniture and Finishes Source Guide Application Product Sustainable Features Source Paints stains and renders Grimes paints, stains and renders – interior and exterior Low toxicity paints, low emissions with sustainably sourced additives, low embodied energy. Grimes and Sons Research 03 9437 0733 Paints stains and renders Porters Paints – interior limewash, Low toxicity paints, no- and low- VOCs using plant, milk and mineral bases. Grimes and Sons Research 03 9437 0733