The quality of air we breathe is more important than ever before as we spend up to 90% of our lives indoors, taking over 25,000 breaths, and inhaling a staggering 11,000 litres of air per day.
It’s vital that we consider the quality of products we use to paint and coat surfaces, both within our homes and also in the buildings we occupy for work and leisure.
Petrochemical based conventional paints often contain cheap, easy to source ingredients such as plasticisers, and acrylics which can emit harmful toxins during their initial use and over their lifetime.
In this article we delve into the benefits of improved air quality which KEIM mineral paints help to deliver. When purchasing or specifying paints we urge you to read product labels and data sheets in order to make a well-informed, balanced, environmentally conscious decision.
Many clients are surprised to find that mineral paints such as KEIM are as cost effective as conventional paints, with added benefits of breathability, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and the ability to clean the air and remove pollutants.
Why is this important?
We use huge quantities of paint both in construction and home renovation projects and these play a significant role in air quality, and conversely air pollution.
Poor indoor air quality is a well-publicised problem, as a mixture of pollutants are generated both from inside the building and from external pollution migrating indoors.
Poor outdoor air quality, as result of air pollution, has negative impacts on both human health and the natural environment. Whilst levels in some areas have been declining, there are more measures which need to be taken, specifically with regard to Nitrogen Oxides.
Which Keim mineral paints help to clean the air?
We have developed two key products that help cleanse the air, whilst offering long lasting protection and colour stability; KEIM Soldalit ME for exterior surfaces, and KEIM Ecosil ME for interiors.
These paints are ideal for a wide variety of applications including for people with respiratory conditions, asthma sufferers, schools, hospitals, and care homes. Some buildings that have used KEIM for improved air quality include Battersea Power Station, John Lewis, Madame Tussauds, as well as prisons, museums and castles.
How do these air purifying paints work?
KEIM air purifying paints are photocatalytic mineral paints which use light energy to neutralise pollution via a reaction with a pigment in the paint itself. A full explanation of this can be found here. The pigment is unchanged by the reaction, which continues for the lifetime of the paint, and the paint, being mineral based, is not degraded by the reaction, unlike petrochemical based photocatalytic paints.
What type of pollutants can be reduced?
Pollution by industry and road traffic for example: − Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Ammonia gas (NH3)
The pollutants which KEIM Ecosil-ME helps to reduce include formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, as well as other VOCs such as benzene and toluene. Nitrogen oxides and ammonia can also be reduced by the photocatalytic reaction.
Even bacteria and fungal spores can be significantly reduced by photocatalysis.
What other air quality benefits do these paints offer?
Mineral paints are low VOC, do not contain any additional solvents and are both environmentally friendly and sustainable. Mineral paints are odourless and since they do not off-gas any chemicals, rooms can be occupied very quickly, as soon as the paint is dry without being a danger to health.
The photocatalytic reaction also inhibits and kills bacteria. Independently tested it is proven to reduce living bacteria by 99% and dead cells completely. With regards to sanitation and health care the reduction and removal of dead and living biomass is very important to prevent infections. Dead cells can still have a toxic and allergic potential and KEIM Ecosil-ME is proven to improve interior hygiene more effectively than a conventional film forming paint.
Mineral paints are breathable and moisture regulating and, due to their mineral alkaline formulation, do not provide a nutrient base for new mould growth, acting as a mould inhibitor in a natural way.
The KEIM Difference
Not only do mineral paints help to clean the air, they also have many other benefits.
Mineral paints give a long life, colourfast finish, they are natural, fire resistant (A2,s1-d0), breathable, and highly light reflective, making them ideal for all types of building, from heritage to high-rise and commercial to private.
With Cradle to Cradle Certification, Keim Mineral Paints are the proven, safe, environmentally friendly choice for healthy buildings.
What next?
Not all mineral paints are equal in their environmental credentials. If you want to find out more our paint systems, renders, washes and mortars, please visit the website www.keim.co.uk buy online at www.keimpaintshop.co.uk
Order your colour card, samples or arrange a site survey. Any questions, please contact the team by emailing sales(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)keimpaints.co.uk or call 01952 231 250.