PAINT

At some point, we all have to do some painting or have it done for us. And this creates wastes - like paints, solvents, rags, containers, paint chips and dust. If not handled properly, these materials are hazardous to our health and environment.

Paint fumes can be dangerous to our health - they can cause headaches and nausea, as well as irritation to the eyes, lungs and skin. More serious effects could include respiratory ailments, muscle weakness and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Paint can affect our health by entering nearby waterways via storm sewers, contaminating our drinking water and entering the food chain.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

There are a number of steps we can all take to ensure that we use paint in more environmentally-friendly ways.

When buying paint:

Your first choice should always be the least toxic product. More and more manufacturers are producing toxin-free paints.

Whatever type of paint you purchase, plan well and don't buy more paint than you need.

It's also a good idea to buy the best quality paint because it can last twice as long as cheaper product. And it requires less paint to get the job done - saving you time and effort.

When using paint:

Always paint in a well-ventilated area.

Don't use paint or stain outdoors on days when there's a Smog Advisory in your community. Paints and stains may contain mineral spirits that can evaporate and contribute to smog and other forms of air pollution.

When cleaning up:

After using latex paint, wash brushes with soap and water - small amounts of latex do not harm sanitary sewers. But you'll have to use solvent or thinner to clean your brushes after using oil-based paint.

Extra solvent or thinner can be put into a sealed jar - after the material settles, pour it into another container for reuse. Dry any solid residues, wrap them in newspaper and place in the trash can.

Dealing with excess paint:

The most obvious way to deal with excess paint is to store it for another job — it can have a shelf life of 10 to 15 years.   Make sure it is properly stored by sealing the lid to prevent the leakage of fumes and to stop the paint from going bad.

If you don't have any use for your excess paint, find someone who does. If your friends and neighbours don't need it, consider donating it to churches, daycares, community organizations and other good causes.

Never pour paint down storm drains - it can harm fish and wildlife and contaminate the food chain.

DO NOT:

• pour paint on the ground because it can end up in the groundwater that often serves as the source of our drinking water.
• pour excess paint in the sink - it can disrupt microbes and causes sewage treatment to be less effective and more costly.
• throw it into the trash - it can contaminate other recyclable materials, wasting valuable resources.

Check to see if your local municipal recycling program takes empty paint cans from your blue bin.

If you can't find any other way to get rid of it, take any excess paint to your local waste or recycling depot.