Paints, varnishes and glues
What are the problems?
Most paints, varnishes and glues
contain chemicals that are harmful to people and the environment.
But some are less dangerous than others.
These products can be
divided into two main groups, those that contain organic solvents
such as white spirit or turpentine, and those that are water-based.
Products that contain
organic solvents release volatile organic compounds (i.e. chemicals
that evaporate readily) when they are used. These have various
environmental effects.
Some substances are involved
in the formation of ground-level ozone, which is harmful to health
and can reduce plant growth. Organic solvents also affect people’s
health, causing dizziness, headaches and respiratory complaints.
What can you do?
Choose water-based products where
possible. It is important to ask your dealer for advice on the best
products for your purpose and how to use them. Water-based products
have improved greatly since they first came on the market, and are
now as good as solvent-based products in many cases. Ask your dealer
if you are in any doubt.
Look for an eco-label such
as the Nordic Swan or EU Flower when you are choosing products. If
your dealer has no eco-labelled paints, you can check what is
available on
www.ecolabel.no (opens in new window).
When you use paint, varnish
or glue, make sure that the room is well-ventilated, and that you
take regular breaks in the fresh air.
Waste
Left-over paint, varnish and glue must
be disposed of as hazardous waste. But dry, empty tins can be thrown
away with the rest of the ordinary household rubbish.
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