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: The following information will help you learn why to look for less toxic paints, where to find them, and how to protect your health during any painting project. What are the Health Concerns? Volatile Organic Compounds
Oil-based paints and other petroleum-based products have vapors that are harmful when breathed. These vapors are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Volatile organic compounds in paints can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. 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.