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Safe Handling & Disposal of Latex Paint
Residents, property managers, and painting contractors are strongly urged to keep in mind several simple means to reduce short term residential exposures to harmful chemicals used in some interior household paint and flooring products. These methods include selecting products that are formulated without harmful solvents and properly ventilating spaces that are painted for adequate amounts of time. Usually it is necessary to keep windows wide-open and utilize exhaust fans to ensure proper ventilation. This practice should be maintained continuously both during and for more than 48 hours after painting indoor areas or re-finished floors. Such practices can reduce exposures to residents, neighbors, and painting/flooring workers.
Most paints and floor finishings, including water-soluble latex formulations, contain solvents that can cause eye irritation and short term central nervous system symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Long term exposure to certain paint components has been associated with chronic damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Paint solvent vapors may pose a special risk for pregnant women, young children, and individuals with respiratory ailments. However, paint vapors can be harmful to everyone exposed to them, even for short periods.
When selecting a paint or contracting paint services, residents and property managers should be aware that 100% non-VOC (volatile organic compound) and low-VOC products are available (see below). Always insist on full information about the volatility and toxicity of materials being sold or used. All products have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available from wholesale and retail product suppliers, which can and should be reviewed for the presence of specific harmful substances and for methods of responding to overexposure.
Paints and floor coatings can contain solvents and other materials that can be irritating or injurious to human health when used improperly. Although product manufacturers usually place proper-use labels on retail product containers, these labels often only contain general language such as "only use in ventilated areas," such labels are not detailed enough to enable practical methods of reducing human exposure to such chemicals. Unlike large office buildings and schools, private single family homes, townhouses, and apartments are usually not mechanically ventilated, although many people mistakenly believe that an air conditioner or furnace adequately filters indoor air. Air conditioners and most heating systems do not provide ventilation as they recirculate air, even when their system is set to "vent," and do not remove contaminants. Hot or cold weather encourages residents to close windows and rely on air conditioning or other HVAC units, which may make summertime or wintertime painting unhealthy as the accumulation of vapors can lead to acute chronic health problems.
Part of the risk with indoor painting arises from misconceptions about paints being dry or lacking odor. Most paints will continue to release harmful vapors for several days after application. While many latex paints appear to be dry after several hours, ventilation should be continued for no less than 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours, beyond that time. Some of the more powerful organic compounds released through "off-gassing" are below human odor thresholds.
Paint and floor product off-gassing is a particularly problematic concern for residents and property managers of multi-family apartments and condominiums because vapor-laden "shared air" can move between spaces. Painters should be aware that harmful vapors migrate across common walls, ceilings, and floors through gaps around pipes, between floors and walls, and through electric outlets. Such problems can be avoided if all apartments being painted or floor-treated are properly ventilated with exhaust box fans, even if no one is living in the painted unit, to prevent the accumulation of such vapors in unhealthy quantities in surrounding residences.
Property managers and condominium owners should also consider providing advance notice to neighboring residents that a unit is going to be painted, enabling them to increase their own exhaust ventilation, and should also consider inspecting painted units to ensure that ventilation is maintained for least 48 to 72 hours after painting or floor refinishing is complete. In addition, property managers might consider temporarily providing box fans to residents who are painting or refinishing the floors of their apartment.
Currently, many high quality latex paints – frequently marketed as "Low-VOC" or "Low Odor" – meet federal requirements to release low levels of VOCs (less than 250 grams per liter). However, these guidelines pertain more to outdoor air quality issues involving ground-level ozone or smog, not the indoor environment. Fortunately, many manufacturers have also formulated latex paints which are either solvent-free or very close to it (1 gram VOC per liter). The following is a partial list of some of these products. You can also examine a can label or Material Safety Data Sheet regarding products not listed here or contact the manufacturer.
Genesis Odor-Free
Duron Paints & Wallcoverings
10406 Tucker Street
Beltsville, MD 20705
800.723.8766
301.937.4600, ext. 3400
HealthSpec
Sherwin-Williams Co.
101 Prospect Ave., N.W.
Cleveland, OH 44115
800.474.3794 (store locations)
216.566.2151 (product info)
Green Seal's Choose Green Report on Architectural Paints
The Choose Green Report gives environmental criteria for, and lists of, environmentally responsible brands of interior and exterior paint, and includes a discussion of recycled paint. 96 products from 17 manufacturers are included. Since the Report was issued, Green Seal has certified two lines of paint, with more in the works:
Safe Handling & Disposal of Latex PaintPPG Architectural Finishes, Inc
Pittsburgh Paints Pure Performance line (primer, flat, eggshell,
semi-gloss)
phone 800-441-9695
Southern Diversified Products
American Pride line (primer, flat, eggshell, ceiling)
phone 601-264-0442
Latex or water-based paint is not a hazardous material. It should not be dropped-off at household hazardous waste collection events. The most appropriate methods for purchasing, storing and disposing of latex paint are outlined below. Please note that new "hardening agents" make it easier than ever to simply dry up paint and dispose of it with regular household trash
1. Only buy the amount of latex paint you really need! You will save money and avoid creating waste. Note that one gallon of paint will cover between 250 to 350 square feet, depending on the porosity of the surface to be covered. More porous surfaces will cover closer to 250 square feet and will require more paint.
2. Store paint so that it will last longer. Cover the top with plastic wrap tightly (bread wrappers are ideal for this) and replace the lid securely. When this is done, turn the can upside down to create an airtight seal.
3. Use up all your paint! Small amounts of paint can be mixed with other colors or bulked together and used as a primer coat or on jobs where the final finish is not critical. Consider a clean coat of paint for closets or doghouses!
4. Donate unopened cans of paint or return them to the place of purchase. Most schools, church and community groups, as well as social service and theatre groups, will accept unopened cans of paint, especially white paint. Even a neighbor or relative may need some extra paint. Also, most stores will accept back their own unopened cans of paint even if it has been specially mixed or formulated.
5. Recycle your empty or dried paint can by simply placing it out for regular trash collection. The ferrous metal in the can will be separated from the burned refuse at the County’s Waste to Energy Facility and recycled
6. To dispose of latex paint, SOLIDIFY IT! - add mulch, cat-litter, shredded paper, or Waste Paint Hardener available at some paint stores and home improvement centers.