Green Building An sustainable environment

Hridaya Singh1 ,Jyoti Prakash1, and Riya Shrivastava2*

1.Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India

2.Ex faculty of A.P.S. University Rewa, M.P.

Email: riyashrivastav28@gmail.com

Abstract

Traditionally people used natural paints for decorating their homes. These naturally occurring
minerals like chalk, China clay, and barytes were easy to find, cheap, and had good ‘light
fastness’ i.e., they were less likely to fade in sunlight making them most suitable for use. With
time came advancements in chemical knowledge and new paints developed. Many new metallic
salts were discovered to have longer sustainability, better finish, and resistance to extreme
weather conditions making them novel ingredients for paint making. However, later studies
proved for them to have toxic health effects and modern paints with synthetic pigments were
developed.
Most of the paints available in the market today are of either type, latex or alkyd. Latex is a
water-based paint while alkyd is oil-based with organic solvents. Volatile Organic Compounds
are released into the air from the paints and varnishes containing organic compounds. VOCs
pollute indoor air and have both short-term and long-term effects on our health. They are
responsible for indoor air smells and can cause allergic reactions. It was seen that short-term
exposure can irritate the mucosal membranes of our body, while long-duration exposure
includes toxic reactions and increase serious effects due to Cardio Vascular diseases.
Traditional painting methods used a few decades back like limewashes and distempers used for
indoor wall painting and whitewashing was not only cheap but also a sustainable choice and
eco-friendly. Natural paints used in villages having clay, cow dung, and straw mixture have many
benefits along with being non-toxic and chemical free. Sustainability persists as a major concern
when choosing the type of paint to be used. However eco-friendly paints can still be long-lasting
and have equivalent properties to synthetic paint. The right choice of materials can help in the
development of a stronger, eco-friendly yet sustainable paint. For example, the binding property
of clay combined with casein can produce a stronger result. Some natural paints have anti-
microbial properties and are scrubbing-resistant, stain resistant, similar to conventional paints.
Thus, devising modern, eco-friendly paints through our traditional knowledge and using them as
substitutes for chemical paint can contribute greatly to our environment as well as ensure our
health.

Keywords: sustainable, eco-friendly, paints, VOCs.