Title: Healthy Indoor Painting
Headings: 
What are the Health Concerns?
Volatile Organic Compounds
Additives
Crystalline Silica
Heavy Metals: Mercury and Lead
Smog
Before You Paint
While You Paint
After You Paint
Tips for Reducing Mildew
Notes for Apartment Dwellers
Choosing Low VOC Paints
A Hint About Tints
Zero and Low VOC Paints Available in Thurston County

Content: Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems like central nervous system, liver, and kidney damage. Paint vapors pose a higher risk for pregnant women, young children, people with respiratory ailments, and individuals with high rates of exposure, such as commercial painters. Some of the solvents in paints that result in high levels of VOCs are ethylene, toluene, xylene, acetone, and methylene chloride. Additives
Additives to paints are another potential health risk. Preservatives and pesticides are added to kill mildew and bacteria. These additives can be harmful to
environmentally sensitive people, who may want to order special low-toxic paints. For a list of low-toxic paint suppliers around the country, see the Sustainable Building Sourcebook. Crystalline Silica
Latex paints contain crystalline silica, which when inhaled causes lung disease such as silicosis and possibly cancer. To avoid breathing in silica, wear a respirator approved for protection against crystalline silica dust. Heavy Metals: