Life-Changing Paints for Those with Chemical Allergies and Sensitivities

ECOS 06/12/2018

While it’s hard to believe that a can of paint can change someone’s life, we’ve found that this is often the case. At ECOS Paints, we’re privileged to know that our no-VOC, no-odor paints, primers, and varnishes contribute to this surprising yet understandable truth. But, how?

For those with chemical allergies or sensitivities, the idea of having a paint or stain that won’t activate any unpleasant or life-threatening symptoms is revolutionary. Traditional paints wreak havoc on those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), allergies, and asthma. Imagine walking in to your brand-new apartment and realizing, to your great dismay, that your landlord used toxic, traditional paints all over your walls, ceilings, and cabinetry. Will you have to rent a hotel room for a week or more until your apartment is adequately ventilated? What happens if you come into the office on Monday morning only to find that the walls and ceilings are coated in fresh, high-VOC paint? Do you take a leave of absence until the fumes diminish? These are just a few of the questions people with chemical allergies and sensitivities must ask themselves on a regular basis.

The Toxic Makeup of Traditional Paints

While individuals suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities, chemical allergies, and asthma have complained about the debilitating effects of paint fumes for decades, their claims were often ignored or disregarded. Today, those claims are taken seriously. Thankfully, an abundance of modern research details the genuine toxicity and negative health effects of traditional interior and exterior paints, primers, varnishes, and stains. Many of these products emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as the product dries. Some of these chemicals include:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Ethyl acetate
  • Xylene
  • Methylene chloride
  • Glycol
  • And others

These contribute to poor indoor air quality and can lead to a wide range of potentially serious health risks.

How Do VOCs Affect People?

While some experts believe that the off-gassing process lets up after a few days, some traditional products can emit harmful fumes for weeks or longer. Adequate ventilation (or lack thereof) also plays a role in how paint fumes affect people. In addition, those who suffer from chemical allergies, sensitivities, and asthma are affected differently than those who don’t.

For the average person without chemical sensitivities or allergies, living, working, or visiting a space filled with high levels of VOCs may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms vary depending on how many chemicals are in the air, the toxicity of the chemical(s), and how long the person is exposed to the emissions. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause:

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
  • Skin-related allergic reactions
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Memory impairment

Meanwhile, long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are also known to cause cancer in both humans and animals. These frightening prospects elevate the importance of no-VOC, no-odor paints in homes, businesses, apartment complexes, hotels, and other establishments.

What Are the Symptoms of VOC Exposure?

While mild reactions to chemicals are typically unpleasant for the general population, the resulting symptoms are much worse for those who suffer from chemical allergies and sensitivities. When people with chemical sensitivities or asthma inhale toxins, especially in a room where painting, priming, or staining has recently taken place, a variety of distressing and potentially life-threatening symptoms may arise. These symptoms can include:

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Sinus pain and pressure
  • Respiratory distress
  • Asthma
  • Shortness of breath
  • Intestinal distress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Heart palpitations
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Confusion
  • Sleep disturbance
  • And more

Misery-Free Painting is Possible with ECOS Paints

The good news is that ECOS Paints has heard the cry of the population suffering with MCS and asthma. Furthermore, our products also cater to those who are concerned about the environment. We understand how difficult it is to live in a world that causes so many health concerns. That is why we’ve developed our fume-free paints, stains, primers, and varnishes. Our no-VOC, no-odor paints are specifically made for those who can’t tolerate traditional paint fumes and for those who wish to minimize environmental damage. Take it from Jay S. of New Jersey who writes, “I am so glad a company like this exists that offers a very healthy and ecofriendly product that is also of great quality! Thanks, ECOS Paints!”

Ciressa M. says, “My husband has extreme chemical sensitivities, so bad that I have to use a no smell deodorant. This is the only paint that doesn't affect him. There is no smell. I am grateful that there is a company out there that is sensitive for the earth and my home!!!”

A Paint That Changes Lives?

For those who never thought they would see the day where they could use a beautiful, fume-free paint with great coverage and lasting quality, ECOS Paints opens a whole new world. Not only can customers choose the perfect color of no-VOC, no-odor paint and have it delivered straight to their door, they look forward to applying the product themselves and dwelling in the space without suffering from crippling health complications. Elizabeth O. writes, “Thank you for this product. I am very sensitive to indoor air quality, and this paint has allowed me to make my new office and new apartment livable! I so appreciate that you thought to make it.”

With ECOS Paints, you can avoid having to stay at a hotel while you wait for your space to properly ventilate, or to work from a coffee shop or take a leave of absence while your office is being painted. Our paints will help you to maintain your life while you give your space the updates it needs.

* Zero VOC - Conforms to CDPH 01350 (VOC emissions test taken at 14 days).

**No Odor - No traditional paint (polyurethane) odor, which can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues.

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