Non-toxic waterproofing paints are the smart way to keep your basement dry.
Waterproofing paint restrains water seepage by blocking hydrostatic pressure on concrete basement walls. By keeping basements dry, they also reduce the risk of toxic mold. Unfortunately, most of those paints contain ingredients that are known health hazards for the painter, with ongoing risks that can linger for a home's residents long after the paint has dried.
Latex Waterproofing Paint
Water-based or latex waterproofing paints are generally safe, but they contain micro-particles of minerals such as crystalline silica, which fill the pores in the concrete. Inhaling these particles during the painting process can be harmful to the lungs. Painters should wear the manufacturer's recommended respirator and safety glasses when applying a waterproofing paint, especially if they are using a spray gun. In addition, most latex waterproofing paints contain VOCs -- volatile organic compounds -- which are emitted into enclosed basement spaces until the coating has cured. Inhaling VOCs is harmful for children and adults with asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Elastomeric Waterproofing Paint
Rather than relying on a mineral compound like the latex waterproofing paints, elastomeric waterproofing paints create a thick rubberized film to hold back the water pressure. These can be a very safe choice, because a water-based elastomeric basement paint can be formulated with little or no VOC content. However, some elastomerics may contain phthalates, a plasticizing agent that's banned from use in children's toys.
Powdered Waterproofing Paint
These coatings are supplied as a powder that should be mixed with water immediately before application. They work by filling the concrete's pores with Portland cement and potentially hazardous ingredients such as crystalline silica. Painters should wear a respirator and safety glasses during mixing and application. Once the paint has dried, however, these paints are relatively safe because they contain no toxic chemicals that might contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Learning About Toxic Paint Ingredients
There are no secret ingredients in paint. Stores that sell paint are required to supply current material safety data sheets, or MSDS, to customers upon request. You should also request the paint's general data sheet and the paint can's label carefully for application instructions that advise you which safety equipment is appropriate for your project.
Related posts
The quickest, most inexpensive way to transform your dull, dingy basement into a warm, inviting living space is a fresh coat of paint on your basement walls. Painting basement walls requires a bit...
Acrylic is found in interior latex paints.Acrylic is a component of interior latex paints; it is also an artist-quality paint used for fine arts as well as decorative uses. Either type of paint ca...
Paint concrete walls.Painting interior concrete walls can add warmth to a basement at very little cost. Because concrete is porous, it absorbs a lot of paint. Unless you're an experienced painter,...
Painting a basement wall.Basements are often damp or musty for various reasons. Painting a damp basement requires special consideration, as moisture issues should be identified prior to applying t...
WallsLatex paint is designed to be easy to apply and easy to maintain. Walls that are painted with flat base latex paint can be washed to remove stains, but it is necessary to use special care to...
