By David Alderton

The continued use of solvent-based VOC-containing paints may help to explain the relatively high incidence of tumors in budgerigars, quite apart from issues of infertility.

There has been growing concern in Europe recently over so-called “sick building” syndrome, with workers complaining of a variety of vague symptoms of illness, such as headaches and breathing difficulties. One of the suggestions is that the paints used in offices could be a contributory factor. This is because the vast majority of those available today contain solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are responsible for fresh paint’s smell.

Solvent-based paints have been linked with a variety of health problems in people, including disorders of the nervous system, cancer, asthma and other respiratory problems, and VOCs have been identified as contributing to low-level atmospheric pollution. The European Union is introducing stricter controls on paints in January 2010 for these reasons, having already tightened the law in 2007.

Typical paints are made up of a combination of pigments responsible for their color and solvents, which will keep the paint in suspension, along with binding agents that ultimately hold the pigment in place. When applied to a surface, the paint’s solvents vaporize into the atmosphere as it dries. There may be up to 10,000 different chemicals in a single paint.

An eco-paint is similar, but with several crucial differences, in terms of its constituents. Water-based solvents are used in their manufacture, and rather than components (such as benzene), which are known to have carcinogenic potential, eco-paints contain natural compounds such as citrus peel and linseed oil.

Birds in particular have a much more sensitive respiratory system than our own. This is why coalminers used canaries to give an early warning of the presence of deadly gases in the mineshafts. If the harmful components of solvent-based paints are adversely affecting our health, then it seems very likely that they will be affecting birds as well, possibly more seriously, too. It is also worth remembering that the impact of these chemicals is not dispersed immediately the paint has dried.

Could our reliance on existing paints be a contributory factor as far as feather-plucking behavior in pet parrots indoors is concerned, and does it help to explain the relatively high incidence of tumors in budgerigars, quite apart from issues of infertility? Such problems are generally less common in birds housed outdoors with access to aviaries. At present, no one can be sure, but it does make sense to consider different options. Other pets, too, may be suffering as well within the home.

The question is why are we still choosing to place our health and that of our pets potentially at risk, when there are safer, cost-effective alternatives now available that do not contain these components. It seems that many people are simply unaware of the choice that is on offer. This is partly a reflection of the stranglehold which existing brands of paint seemingly have, in terms of promotion and sales through DIY outlets in Europe, with alternatives being harder to find, although they can be sourced easily on the Internet.

Eco-paints are just as straightforward to use as traditional gloss or emulsion, however, and their durability seems to be as good, even outside. Nor are you just stuck with white, but you can choose from a wide range of more than 100 colors. Even so, as with many “green” products, the labeling systems can be confusing. So-called “No-VOC” paints may still have low levels of these chemicals present in their formulation. Only natural paints are free from VOCs and in some cases, their drying times may be extended as a result.

Such paints can also be beneficial in other ways, in the store as well as in the home or even a bird room. There are other components here that are likely to be releasing formaldehyde and other potentially harmful VOCs into the environment, potentially over the course of many months, if not years. Materials such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and plywood fit into this category, and the output of such chemicals into the atmosphere will be increased by using a typical paint that gives off VOCs as well.

For internal use, however, there are now eco-paints that serve as primers. These are suitable to use on products like MDF, and actually trap these harmful chemicals. Paints of this type can permanently neutralize formaldehyde and VOCs that are being produced, down to a level of 1 part per million, by blocking their release into the air. If you are planning to renovate your store, do not just follow the obvious option. It is worthwhile considering the alternatives for people and pets alike! <HOME>

David Alderton is a journalist based in the U.K. who writes about all things pet-related. He is also the editor of a recently launched herp magazine in Britain.