Toxic Chemicals In Your Home
Floor Coverings
Wall Coverings
Paints
Timber Finishes
Furnishings
Toxic Chemicals In Your Home
‘For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.’ Rachel Carson
Chemicals have become a part of our everyday lives. They have infiltrated every aspect of our daily lives including the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the air we breathe. Many chemicals have been found to be toxic with serious implications for our health and the environment. In fact, many toxic chemicals can be found right in our homes.
CSIRO studies have shown that occupants of new Australian homes may be exposed by up to 20 times the maximum allowable limits of indoor air toxics, for up to ten weeks after completion.
CSIRO estimates that indoor air pollution costs the Australian community in excess of $12 billion a year in illness and lost productivity.
Many of our household and cleaning products, personal care products, home furnishings and building materials contain hazardous chemicals. Exposure to these toxic chemicals can result in allergic reactions, skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation, asthma, headaches, dizziness, nausea, behavioural problems in children, various forms of cancer, and even death.
The health consequences from these chemicals depend on many factors such as the degree and duration of exposure, the toxicity of individual chemicals and the synergistic effect from a cocktail of chemicals present.
Many of our furnishings, paints, carpets, floor and wall coverings contain toxic chemicals such as toluene, xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde and many others that emit fumes that pollute the air we breathe within our homes. Many tend to continue off-gassing for years after installation. Gas and wood stoves may also release dangerous chemicals.
Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can cause skin, eye, nose and throat irritation, asthma, coughing, headaches, nausea and vomiting. It is the most common air pollutant in homes as it is found in so many other household items such as upholstery, permanent press fabrics, foam insulation, laminated and particle board furniture. It is also found in fabric softeners, skin care products and cosmetics.
Many everyday products contain plastics, which are derived from petrochemicals. There are more than 50 different types of plastic. Thermoplastics and thermosets are the two main categories of plastic.
Soft plastics or thermoplastics account for around 80 per cent of all plastics produced and include organochlorines such as polyvinyl chlorine (PVC) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polypropylene, polythene, nylon and acrylics. They emit harmful fumes known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hard plastics or thermosets include polyesters, formaldehyde and silicones.
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids such as toluene, xylene and formaldehyde. Toluene is a clear, water-insoluble liquid, typically found in lacquers, leather tanners, paints, paint thinners, adhesives, chemical reactants, rubber, printing ink and disinfectants.
Xylene is a colourless sweet smelling, highly flammable solvent that is used in the printing, rubber and leather industries. Formaldehyde is a toxic gas used predominantly in the embalming industry to preserve human remains and fixing of the tissues. It is also used in the textile, furniture and paint industries.
Other sources of VOCs include stored fuels, automotive products, paints, varnishes, wax and lacquers, paint strippers, aerosol sprays, dry-cleaned clothing, cleaning and disinfectant agents, air refreshers, moth repellents, degreasing agents, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, wood preservatives, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, photographic solutions, cosmetic and body care products.
The US Environmental Protection Agency studies have found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas.
Depending on the extent and duration of exposure and the type of VOCs, exposure can potentially cause allergy, skin, eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, headache, fatigue, dizziness, memory impairment, loss of coordination, nausea, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Many VOCs are known to cause cancer in animals and some are suspected of causing cancer in humans.
Hormone disrupting compounds are found everywhere in the average home. They mimic oestrogen and may cause related hormonal changes such as early puberty, low sperm count and male infertility. They include dioxins; organochlorines which are widely used in pesticides, detergents, air fresheners and plastics; alkylphenolic compounds found in detergents, shampoos and paints; bisphenol A which is used in plastics, disinfectants, bottle tops and food cans; and phthalates found in paint, vinyl flooring and plastics.
Children are often more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemicals as they are growing rapidly and their developing organs handle toxins less effectively than adults. In addition, children are at a higher risk of exposure as they tend to crawl and play in areas that could be contaminated and obviously are unaware of the potential hazards. They also have an increased hand to mouth activity, putting them at further risk. We need to do everything we possibly can to protect our children within our homes.
We need to educate ourselves and learn more about toxic chemicals, check labels carefully when we shop and make an effort to use non-toxic, natural products, keeping all hazardous products well-marked and away from children.
Chances are majority of us have already been exposed to a vast range of chemicals in our home and the workplace. However, as you learn more about these harmful chemicals, you can reduce your family’s exposure to these chemicals by knowing what to buy and what not to buy for your home.
Flooring Coverings
Synthetic floorings such as faux wood and laminate products are made of synthetic materials which produce off-gassing and can cause allergy or respiratory problems in the household. Vinyl is a synthetic plastic product and contains phthalates (used as softeners) which are released into the air.
Ceramic tiles are made from materials like terracotta and porcelain. They are a popular choice for flooring as they tend to be extremely sturdy, waterproof, aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and heating and cooling systems can be installed beneath them to radiate through the floor.
Porcelain tiles are made out of a more refined material that is fired at a higher temperature making them harder in composition and more resistant to absorbing water than terracotta tiles. It is more difficult to install porcelain tiles as they are harder to cut but better for outdoor applications as they are more frost and stain resistant. Porcelain tiles may also have full body designs where their patterns go all the way through the tile compared to a terracotta tile’s pattern which often resides in the glazing on the surface.
Even though ceramic tiles are made from natural clay, they are fired in a kiln using a huge amount of energy causing a great deal of pollution. Glazes often contain toxic chemicals including zinc and lead. Using recycled tiles would reduce the environmental cost and it will also be far cheaper than buying new ones.
Slate tile is made from slate, a metamorphic rock which can be found in large deposits all over the world. It comes in a range of colours such as red, orange, brown, green, blue or grey, often with veins of colour running through the tile.
Slate tile is durable, thermal-resistant, easy to clean and has a mildly rough surface preventing slippage even when the floor is wet or greasy. Heating and cooling circulating systems can also be installed underneath the tile, creating radiant heating and cooling.
Stone is a hard, strong, water resistant and non-polluting, natural material that is ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens. However, the cost can be high depending on the rarity and quality of the stone. It is expensive to transport stone because it is very heavy and labour intensive
There are many other different types of natural floor coverings to choose from including linoleum, cork, bamboo, rubber, leather and timber flooring.
Linoleum is made from linseed oil, ground cork, softwood powder, chalk and pine tree resins, baked slowly at high temperatures and fixed under pressure to a natural jute backing material. It is soft, warm underfoot and will insulate your home. It is also static-free and kills off harmful bacteria found on the floor. It is ideal for use in the kitchen as it is easy to clean. However, make sure that you have a damp-proof surface as moisture can damage the backing of the linoleum.
Cork is created from bark peeled from cork oak trees. Once it is 25 years old, the bark can be harvested once every nine years without killing the tree. Cork is made up of millions of air pockets thus provides good sound proofing and insulation. It is non-allergenic and has microbial properties to fight bacteria and repel insects.
Floor tiles made of cork are useful in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Buy unvarnished tiles and then seal them yourselves with natural sealant such as water-based varnish or beeswax polish.
When you are laying cork or linoleum flooring, try to use adhesive that is made from natural materials rather than a solvent-based one.
Bamboo grows quickly and offers a sustainable option for flooring material. Bamboo flooring is harder and more dimensionally stable than some hardwood. It is one of the fastest growing plants as it can grow a metre a day and takes five years to reach maturity compared to hardwoods that can take 50 to 200 years to mature.
Rubber flooring comes in a number of styles, shapes and colours. Round stud rubber flooring which includes small round studs is perfect for slippery areas such as inside the bathtubs and showers. Smooth rubber flooring with a smooth surface is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and is ideal for the bathroom and kitchen.
Leather floor tiles are made of recycled leather mixed with natural rubber and bark from the acacia tree which re-grows without damaging the tree. The leather can be maintained with periodic natural wax treatments.
Timber flooring is a healthy natural material without toxic emissions. It reduces dust mite and pesticide exposure. If possible, buy sustainable timber local to where you live, avoid imported wood and all endangered tropical hardwood species. Even better, use recycled wood floorings sourced from the deconstruction of older buildings.
Loose cotton rugs, woven wool, sheepskin rugs, hemp, coir, jute, sisal and seagrass on bare wooden floors will create a natural home environment. They are easily shaken and aired outdoors. Make sure there is no synthetic backing on the rugs you choose.
Coir and jute are very durable and ideal for high traffic areas such as stairs and hallways. Sisal is more delicate and is more suitably used in low traffic areas such as bedrooms and living room areas.
Coir is a 100 per cent natural and renewable fibre found between the husk and shell of the coconut. Coir fibres are softened, spun into yarn and then woven to make coarse mats that are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Flooring made from coir is very long lasting and non-allergenic.
Jute is a long, soft, shiny plant fibre and one of the cheapest natural fibres. It is a 100% biodegradable and renewable resource as the plant only takes four to five months to reach maturity. It has little need for fertiliser or pesticide. Jute fibres are extracted from the stem of the plant, soaked in water and then spun into coarse, strong threads. Most jute comes from India.
Jute is second only to cotton in terms of global production and has a variety of uses. It is also used to make a number of products such as rope, twine, furniture coverings, curtains, sacks and hessian cloth. Jute is also used as a backing for linoleum, carpets and rugs. Its low thermal conductivity, exceptional heat and sound insulating and antistatic properties make it a great home textile.
Despite the fact that jute threads tend to be coarse, fine threads can be produced to create imitation silk. In addition, jute is increasingly being seen as an alternative source for making pulp and paper, thus reducing the need for deforestation.
Due to its biodegradable nature, jute is still used as pots for planting young trees directly into the ground, thus avoiding disruptions to the roots. It is used for seed protection, weed control and soil erosion control while allowing natural vegetation to become established.
Sisal is a strong fibre that comes from the sword-shaped leaves of the Agave plant. The stalk grows to about one to two metres in height. Fibre is extracted by a process known as decortication, where the leaves are crushed and beaten and the pulp is scraped from the fibre. The sisal fibre strands are usually creamy white in colour.
Traditionally sisal has been used for rope and twine because of its strength, durability and ability to stretch. Today, sisal has many uses including paper, dartboards, buffing cloth, wall coverings, fabric, mattresses, carpets, rugs and mats.
The lower-grade fibre is processed into paper while the medium-grade fibre is used for making ropes and twines. The higher-grade fibre is spun into yarns and woven to make carpets, rugs and mats. They give the room a fresh, natural smell without any toxic gas emission.
Sisal is also used as clothing but a high degree of labour intensive beating and pulping is required to turn the coarse fibres into silky fabric resulting in a highly priced fabric.
Seagrass is grown in seawater paddy fields and is used to make flooring that is water and stain resistant. The seagrass is twisted and then woven into chunky textured squares that are then sewn together into a durable and economical floor covering. Check that synthetic dyes or bleaches have not been used in the manufacturing process. Seagrass starts out with a green tinge, but eventually becomes a slightly mottled pale brown.
Paper twine made by twisting resin-coated strips of paper has been used as floor coverings and furniture since the end of the nineteenth century.
Carpets
Synthetic carpets are mostly made from nylon and plastic with many chemicals including VOCs such as xylene, toluene and formaldehyde. Styrene, a suspected carcinogen is used to make the synthetic latex backing and adhesives are used to secure the carpet to this backing.
If you must use synthetic carpet, ask the installer to leave it outside in an open area for a few days or so to air and to allow some of the toxic fumes to emit before bringing them into your home. It is important to note that after installation, new carpets will still be emitting VOCs. Therefore, it is essential to keep doors and windows open as long as you still smell the odour of the carpet.
Use tacking strips instead of glue to fasten carpet to the floor. After installation, try to steam clean the new carpet with water to remove chemical residues present on the surface.
Whenever possible, buy PVC-free carpets. Choose natural carpets made from organic cotton, wool, sisal or hemp but make sure they do not have latex backing made with styrene. Look for natural alternatives such as woollen felt backing that provides a comfortable surface to walk on and offers good sound insulation.
Wool is fairly stain resistant and easy to clean. The naturally occurring lanolin oil in the fibres acts as a repellent so that liquid does not immediately penetrate. This allows time to remove the stain with absorbent materials such as paper towel.
The natural oils in wool disperse moisture and keep you dry and warm. It also provides a reliable under foot temperature all year round. Wool is also porous and allows your skin to breathe. Wool’s natural anti-bacterial properties also minimise allergy.
In addition to its superior warmth and comfort, wool is one of the safest fibres to have in the home due to its natural flame resistance and anti-static properties. It also contains natural noise absorbing fibres. A wool carpet will retain its appearance and durability over other fibres, providing outstanding quality and value for money.
Wall Coverings
Natural wood panelling is great for areas in the home that need extra protection such as the hallway. It is a very durable material and will protect the walls from wear and tear. It also provides good insulation, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
Felt is a natural fabric that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing woollen fibres together. It comes in many colours, shapes and sizes and can be used for furnishings and wall coverings. It has become popular again over the last couple of years due to the increased awareness of chemicals within our home.
Wallpaper is also making a comeback. Conventional wall paper often has a vinyl or synthetic plastic finish to make them easier to wipe clean. Wallpaper pastes often contain chemical solvents that have been treated with fungicides. Choose wallpaper made from recycled cotton, clay-coated papers or recycled paper with soy-based inks and water-based wall paper pastes. Wallpaper is a good way to decorate sustainably due to its durability and minimal off-gassing.
Paints
Prior to the discovery of petroleum and toxic chemicals, paints were made from natural ingredients such as lime from limestone, casein from milk, turpentine, citrus oil, hemp oil, linseed oil and chalk. Natural pigments derived from plants were used to add colour to the paint.
Conventional paints are made from a cocktail of petrochemicals including solvents such as xylene and toluene that give off VOCs. These compounds off-gas at room temperature and emit the typical new paint odour common in all newly painted homes. Even after the strong ‘new paint’ odour has diminished, these same paints emit toxic chemicals and fumes into the atmosphere of your home for many years after their application.
These toxic fumes evaporate easily, making the air you breathe a chemical cocktail that can trigger asthma, allergies, flu-like symptoms and disorders of the nervous system.
They also contribute to the formation of ozone at ground level called smog. It is estimated that each year in Australia more than 60,000 tonnes of VOCs are released into the atmosphere, with a significant amount from the paint industry.
The production of petrochemical and solvent based paint is energy-intensive and not sustainable as oil is a non-renewable resource. The production of one tonne of solvent-based paint can produce 10 to 30 tonnes of mostly non-biodegradable toxic waste. These toxic wastes need to be properly treated and disposed responsibly to avoid adverse environmental impacts.
Oil-based paint contains between 40 to 60%VOCs and chemicals such as pigments, resins and additives such as de-foamers (chemicals that break down the foam caused by chemical reactions), stabilisers, plasticisers, preservatives, deodorisers and fungicides such as aromatic mercury compounds.
Although conventional water-based paints contain lower levels of VOCs (about 10 per cent), they still have 3 to 7% solvent content and may include chemicals such as formaldehyde, glycol ethylene and propylene, glycol ethers, alcohol, monomers, amines (ammonium hydroxide, amino-2-methyl propanol), volatile plasticisers, ammonia and biocides such as copper, arsenic disulphide, phenol, permethrin, carbamates, and quaternary ammonium compounds.
No VOC paint might still contain other toxic chemicals such as ammonia and formaldehyde. Don’t confuse low- or no-VOCs paints with low- or no-odour paints that might have more added chemicals to mask the offensive smell of paints.
Some major paint manufacturers in Australia still use tints that contain high levels of VOCs. Avoid non-drip paints as they may contain polyurethane. Whenever possible, use matt or satin finish paint instead of high gloss paint as they have less petrochemical solvents and emit fewer VOCs.
Conventional paint strippers contain a solvent known as dichlormethane (DCM) which is potentially carcinogenic. Some paint removers have methanol, a wood derivative which is also known as wood spirits or methyl alcohol. It should be avoided as they can cause blindness and severe skin and eye irritation.
Contemporary household paints contain less than 0.1% lead. Houses painted prior to 1971 may have paint that contains high levels of lead. If you are renovating or repainting an old home with flaking paint, it is important to treat the lead paint properly and seek professional advice. Lead can be dangerous, especially to pregnant women and young children. All care must be taken when removing lead paint.
Natural paints are made from naturally occurring ingredients derived from plants and minerals such as lime, clay, citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed oils, tree resins, inert mineral fillers, casein, marble powder and chalk. They are water based and created from plant-derived pigments, solvents, binders and fillers instead of synthetic chemicals.
Natural paints do not contain any petrochemicals, VOCs, synthetic pigments or additives. They are hypoallergenic with lower risk of causing allergies. They are the most sustainable and environmentally friendly type of paints because they do not require a high level of processing and many of the ingredients are made from renewable resources.
Natural paints allow the substrate to ‘breathe’, improve air quality and discourage mould growth. Natural paints are not as stain-resistant as acrylic paints but can be easily and safely over coated without VOC emissions.
Mineral-based paints such as lime or clay paints bond with the substrate and they gradually wear away until it is time to re-paint. However, they do not crack or peel in the process. They also offer outstanding durability for exterior masonry surfaces.
Lime paint has no smell or toxic chemicals. It does dry quickly, so apply it with a large, natural bristle in broad strokes for a smooth finish. Casein powder, a by-product of milk, can be mixed with water and a small amount of natural pigment to make a matt and smooth finish for interior walls.
Clay paint has no toxic chemicals and is solvent free. It can be applied to most interior surfaces such as timber, masonry, brick, plaster board and fibre cement without priming. It is permeable to vapour and absorbs variations in humidity providing a more comfortable living space. It can also be used on exterior walls in frost free regions and water protected areas.
Any dried-up remains from natural paints can be added to the compost pile because they are bio-degradable and are not harmful to plants. Leftover lime paint can be painted onto the trunks of fruit trees as it deters pests.
Timber Finishes
Try to buy unsealed timber whenever possible and then treat it yourself with natural stains, oils, varnishes or waxes that contain plant-derived resins, oils and pigments. Unlike conventional timber treatments that form a plastic film on the timber, plant-based solvents allow the timber to breathe and stabilise the humidity level inside the house.
Natural timber stains stain the timber to a desired colour, often highlighting the grain and enhancing the natural beauty of the timber. They do not form a plastic coating and are usually overcoated with a longer-lasting oil or varnish in order to protect the timber.
Natural timber oils work by penetrating deep into the timber and saturating the timber in oil molecules that repel water. Regular annual re-application is required as the oily molecules do not form a film and will eventually wear off. You can simply clean the timber surface with a pH balanced cleaner and then, apply another coat of the oil yearly.
Varnishes work by forming a water-repellent barrier and often contain ultraviolet (UV)-resistant substances. They prevent greying of the exposed timbers caused by the damage of timber’s cells by the UV rays. When exposed to air, the molecules in the varnish link up to form a continuous film that provides sun and water protection. They require less maintenance than timber oils but when the time comes for re-application, the timber needs to be sanded prior to recoating.
Pure liquid beeswax is a natural treatment that can be used as a finish on timber and cork. It gives a beautiful shine and a wonderful aroma to the room.
Shellac is a 100% natural gum derived from lac, a scale-insect secretion. It is good for sealing any treated wood surface as it prevents emission of toxic fumes. It is also used as a varnish on wooden fixtures to create a clear, hardwearing surface. It is easy to apply, smells good and takes two to three hours to dry to a matt finish.
Furnishings
Home furnishings, such as furniture, upholstery, window dressings, carpets and wall coverings may be treated with chemicals and are potentially harmful.
Choose furniture made from metal, cane, rattan, bamboo or timber with natural finishes rather than those made from petrochemical materials. Look for unfinished timber pieces so you can treat these using plant-based natural stains, washes and varnishes.
Avoid furniture made from composite boards such as particle boards (wood chipboard), laminated boards (plywood) and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) as they contain adhesives and formaldehyde which emits VOCs. However, if you already have these in the house, you can seal them with shellac.
Synthetic fabrics such nylon, polyester, acrylics, viscose rayon and PVC do not breathe, absorb minimal moisture and inhibit evaporation. They retain grease and oil, so they are difficult to get really clean without the use of strong detergents that contain harmful chemicals.
Fabric coverings for furnishings pose off-gassing hazards as most have been manufactured using toxic chemicals such as PVC and formaldehyde to make them flame-proof and resistant to shrinking and creasing. Formaldehyde adhesives may have been used to secure fabrics to the furniture frames.
Let new items sit outside in an open area for a few days or more to air out some of the chemical gases before bringing them into your home.
Antique and second-hand furniture is often toxic free as it may be old enough to pre-date the use of synthetic petrochemicals such as formaldehyde adhesives or it may have already released the toxic fumes associated with these chemicals through years of off-gassing. You can also have second-hand furniture re-upholstered using natural materials and it is also a great way to get exactly the look you want. Used or antique furniture pieces can often be purchased for considerably less than new ones.
To create a natural home, furnish your home with natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, wool, silk, leather, hemp or ramie. If you love the coloured fabrics, look for vegetable-based dyes. Natural materials almost always look, feel and smell better than synthetic products.
Linen is a completely natural resource and is biodegradable and recyclable. Its high air permeability, heat conductivity, virtually lint free, non-static, non-allergenic, naturally insect-repellent, spectacular durability and long life properties make it an excellent choice for upholstery.
Choose organic cotton as conventional cotton is grown using herbicides, pesticides and fungicides and manufactured using synthetic dyes, bleaches and formaldehyde finishes. Buying organic is the only way of ensuring that no harmful chemicals have been used in the production process.
Wool is the natural choice for soft furnishings because of its comfort, warmth, long life performance ratings and safety factors. Due to the innovation of the natural fibre, wool-based upholsteries have the ability to bounce back from years of everyday family wear and tear.
Upholstery is more exposed to greasy soiling because of the frequent handling it receives, especially on the arms of chairs. Wool’s ability to resist soiling and shed soil during cleaning allows wool fabrics to retain their appearance when others become matted and dirty. Wool’s natural breathability also prevents the build-up of heat, dampness and odours.
Felt is created by steaming and pressing wool to achieve a durable structured fabric that can be used as furnishings. Silk is a fine, soft and lightweight material that can be used to make curtains and cushion covers. Choose furniture with leather upholstery as they can be easily cleaned and maintained dust-free.
Hemp is a fast growing plant and produces a fibre that is stronger than cotton and is suitable for use in furnishings. Ramie, also called China grass, is taken from a stingless nettle and blended with cotton to make upholstery. Flax, derived from the same plant as linseed oil, Linum Usitatissimum, is another natural fibre used in fabric production.
You could use curtains made from natural fabrics or wooden shutters, blinds or screens. Wooden venetian blinds are great as a sunscreen on very bright days and also allow plenty of natural light to penetrate on less sunny days.
Other natural alternatives include bamboo stick or rice paper blinds. If you choose bamboo blinds, make sure the bamboo comes from a managed source where the canes are harvested in a sustainable manner.
More detailed information on different types of natural fabrics can be found in Chapter 6 - ‘Go Natural Fabric’.
Interview
Dr Lok: Can you tell us about your business?
Edmondo: Colours by Nature distributes a range of natural building options such as wool insulation, Eco clay thermal boards, timber finishes and truly natural paints. Our sole purpose is to provide an alternative to chemically derived products at the most affordable price.
We provide our customers with information and hands on training through regular workshops. Our workshops will arm you with the knowledge necessary to make the most environmentally conscious decision when building or renovating your home.
We are a 100% Australian owned family run business. We started out as an online business in 1997. Since then, we have partnered with like-minded businesses and now offer our products through retail outlets, green architects, builders and painting professionals.
Dr Lok: Tell us how you got started and your background?
Edmondo: The idea for establishing our business was born out of necessity really. Back then several of our family members had developed allergies and chemical sensitivities. This was causing them a number of problems. It didn’t take us long to realise that something had to be done.
We made the decision to move out of our city home and relocated to a country property just outside Canberra. We built our new home from the ground up with non-toxic, natural materials in order to provide a chemical-free environment for our family. It was the best decision we ever made.
Dr Lok: How did you source the materials for your house?
Edmondo: It took us months to research and source the natural building products necessary for our home. We couldn’t believe how little information was available at the time. So, we decided to address this issue and cater for this need by setting up our own business. Sharon even qualified as a Naturopath in the process.
Dr Lok: How did the company get off the ground?
Edmondo: Like most businesses, it was word of mouth and community participation that started everything. We began supplying the products to our family and friends after they noticed the health benefits we were experiencing from our non-toxic home!
From there, it spread to the wider community as more people found out through word of mouth. We then developed our website in order to capitalise on the momentum and build even more awareness of the health benefits associated with these types of building materials.
Dr Lok: What were some of the challenges in the beginning?
Edmondo: Probably the biggest challenge would have been convincing people that these products were a worthy substitute for the conventional synthetic products. Given that we were a small company at that time, it was quite difficult to compete with the big corporations, with their huge advertising budgets and deceptive marketing tactics. They had most of the general public convinced that synthetic products were the only way to go.
The other big challenge was to prove to potential customers that the quality of our natural paint products was equal to, if not greater than, conventional paints. We had to rely on testimonials and referrals from other like-minded businesses and customers to build confidence in our products.
Dr Lok: Can you tell us what natural paints are?
Edmondo: Natural paints are manufactured from ingredients that are more ecologically balanced. They are made from raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk, talc, milk casein, natural latex, bees wax, earth and mineral dyes. The colour pigments are based on naturally occurring substances such as earth and metal.
Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell while our oil-based paints have a pleasant fragrance of citrus and other essential oils. Natural paints are naturally ‘greener’, unlike the many so-called petrochemical-based green paints promoted by the big players.
Our natural paint products are sourced from three different manufacturers, Bio paints which are Australian made, along with Livos and Volvox who are leading European manufacturers.
Dr Lok: Why would I choose your product compared to a chemical based range?
Edmondo: All our products are formulated to be as non-toxic as possible with little or no VOCs, they are safe for baby’s nursery and pregnant mums as well as being well tolerated by most asthmatics and allergy sufferers with no toxic off-gassing. They represent a far more sensitive choice than conventional chemically-based paints.
Dr Lok: Is there any difference in the application of natural paints compared to other paints? How long do natural paints last?
Edmondo: Yes, there is. Natural paints are applied in the same manner as conventional paints however they do take longer to dry. Natural paints are just as long lasting as conventional paints. This does however depend on climatic conditions and obviously the level of wear and tear.
Dr Lok: How do I clean the brushes used with natural paints?
Edmondo: Brushes used with our water-based paints can be cleaned using warm soapy water. For oil-based paints, we suggest using natural thinners such as Bio or Livos Thinners, followed by washing them in warm soapy water. In both cases the cleaning residue can be spread over the garden without any detrimental effects.
Dr Lok: How can natural oil-based paints and thinners be environmentally-friendly?
Edmondo: In an ideal world, all paints would be water-based. However, we cannot escape the fact that some applications for oil-based coatings will continue to exist.
All of the ingredients contained in our oil-based paints and thinners have been extracted from plants or natural minerals. These ingredients include lemon oil and paraffin oil for thinners. As for paints they include castor oil, tung oil, pine resin, lemon peel, paraffin oil, lecithin, bentone, ethanol, lead free drying agent, talc, feldspar, iron oxide, metal and mineral pigments. All are cadmium, chromate and lead free.
Our Bio thinners do not have any of the toxic chemicals such as toluene, benzene, xylene, ketones and many other ‘nasties’ used in conventional thinners. Bio thinners are used as a diluting agent for our Bio Enamel products.
Dr Lok: Are there any natural products that I can use to treat timber?
Edmondo: You can choose from a variety of varnishes, lacquers, oils and waxes such as the Bio Hard Oil and Livos Hard Oil, just to name a few. These can be used to treat timber both for interior and exterior use and on either softwood or hardwood.
Dr Lok: Your Eco Clay Thermal Building Board sounds interesting. What does it do?
Edmondo: It is the environmentally friendly alternative to the commonly used plasterboard, and is made from coir reinforced clay. Clay is the most ancient and simple of all building materials; yet it is flexible, strong, fire-, rot- and termite- proof. Clay’s thermal qualities are remarkable and are a natural way to keep buildings cool in summer and warm in winter.
Thermal insulation boards have a positive effect on the room climate as they absorb moisture, diffuse vapour, help bind odour and shield the effect of high frequency electromagnetic radiation. You can use them for interior timber stud frames, dry bare brick, concrete and timber walls. They are also suitable for ceilings with strengthened substructures and for attic constructions.
Dr Lok: You mentioned wool insulation earlier. Why did you choose natural wool insulation?
Edmondo: In 1997 we were building our very first natural paint storage facility in south-eastern NSW. We typically experience temperature variations from -11 degrees in winter to 38 degrees+ in summer in this area. We chose to insulate with wool due to its thermal qualities, natural source, lack of potentially harmful fibres and resins. We were so impressed with the quality and its performances that we have continued to use wool insulation and are now proud suppliers of the Higgins eco-range of insulation.
Dr Lok: What makes Colours by Nature special?
Edmondo: We strive to deliver good old fashioned service. The products we offer have been chosen specifically to address the issues facing many people within their own homes, particularly those of us who suffer from allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities.
Our products are as non-toxic as possible, 100% natural, organically plant-derived, most are either totally free from or have extremely low levels of VOCs and are safe for the environment.
We ensure all our products come from manufacturers who comply with our philosophies and their manufacturing plants conform to high environmental standards and pollution control. Our focus on quality, health and environment is something we will not compromise – we are passionate!
Dr Lok: Where are your products available?
Edmondo: Our products are available throughout Australia and internationally.
Dr Lok: What is the most satisfying aspect of your business?
Edmondo: I would have to say the fact that we started out with the intention of finding a solution to our own personal problem and ended up with a business that helps many other people achieve that same goal. For us this is very satisfying.
Dr Lok: Who would you say has inspired you in the past?
Edmondo: Dr David Suzuki has inspired me greatly. Being an environmental scientist and a visionary in this field, he lives his life according to the principles he believes in.
Dr Lok: How can people find out about you and your business?
Visit us at www.coloursbynature.com.au or call us on 1300 249
347 or (02) 6100 3889 or follow us on Twitter.