Portland
Oregon Real Estate - Live Green...Live Well!
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Patrick
Smith, MBA, AHWD
Eco Broker Certified
503-421-3824
Licensed in the State of Oregon
CONTACT PATRICK
4001
NE Halsey Street, Suite 100, Portland, Oregon,
97232
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Portland Real Estate Green Tip: No-VOC Paints Most people do not consider paint to be an indoor contaminant. However, for those who suffer from respiratory problems or certain allergies, a freshly painted room can be their worse enemy.
So, what is a VOC? VOC''s, or volatile organic compounds, are solvents (including formaldehyde) contained in most paints and protective finishes that evaporate into the air and contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. Additionally, VOC''s are part of the odor in paints and finishes which can be offensive and continue to "off-gas" contributing to poor indoor air quality. Persons suffering from respiratory ailments or those with certain allergies can be extremely sensitive to these odors making it difficult for them to breathe in a freshly painted room.
Due to increased public awareness and a demand for more environmentally-friendly paints, many manufacturers have stepped up to the plate and have started producing low or no-VOC paints. The EPA has established guidelines manufacturers can use to label their products as either low-VOC or no-VOC. Further, indoor paints may receive a Green Seal if a manufacturer''s product meets the Green Seal requirement of less than 50 grams per liter (gm/l) content threshold. Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to promote the manufacturing and purchasing of environmentally responsible products.
Surprisingly, no-VOC paints are no more expensive than any other quality paint. It may also surprise you to learn that one of the leading manufacturer''s of no-VOC paints is located here in Portland. Yolo Colorhouse, founded by Virginia Young and Janie Lowe is one of the country''s leading manufacturer''s of environmentally-friendly paints. Their pallette selection is inspired by nature and includes tasteful hues under categories such as Grain, Water, Stone, Air, Leaf, and Clay. A few of my clients have used Yolo paint selections in their Portland homes and the finished application is truly beautiful.
Of course, there are other manufacturer''s of low or no-VOC paints including many of the leading manufacturers. However, if you purchase a leading manufacturer''s product at a local paint or hardware store it is highly recommended you let the sales associate know that you want a no-VOC paint prior to color mixing as not all paints manufactured by the well-known companies are either low or no-VOC products.
For more information about no-VOC paints and products and how they can enhance the beauty and safety of your Portland home please visit these following websites:
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.greenseal.org
http://www.yolocolorhouse.com
Live Green! Live Well!
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