Smelly Paint

Thinking of doing some painting in your living space? Consider using non-toxic paints, which are now available.

Toluene and other organic (i.e. carbon-containing-molecule) solvents have been linked to a host of illnesses: neurological complaints, memory loss, Parkinson's, fertility problems, lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is based on epidemiologic data.

Instead, ask for zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), water-based paints. Note that "zero-VOC" can still contain up to 5g of VOC per liter. If solvents are unavoidable, you can hasten its evaporation by turning up the heat in your home while you are out, the first few days after a paint job. If you've been exposed, know that glutathione (the body's anti-oxidant) is involved in metabolizing toluene. Glutathione is increased by selenium, turmeric, alpha lipoic acid and Vitamin C.

To see the abstract of relevant studies, go to pubmed. Study ID's 15146016,14695312,16034164,16732556,16878041,16757511,15076649, 14758870.