Contents
Why eco-standard is so important when renovating
According to environmentalists, the air in our apartments is 6-8 times dirtier than outside. One of the reasons is the non-ecological finish. What materials are better not to let in the rooms?
Ecostandard
Can be used
These materials are natural, but with caveats …
Parquet and parquet board
Wood is an environmentally friendly material, there is nothing better than it.
But! The whole thing can be ruined by varnishing.
“Cheap synthetic varnishes emit aromatic hydrocarbons,” explains Nikolay Krivozertsev, a technical expert at Ecostandard. “Our experts have discovered toluene and xylene in such varnishes, which are used as solvents. These substances can irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes, cause skin diseases, and, with constant exposure, threaten to seriously damage the nervous system. The adhesive used to join the boards can release toluene and acetone, which are toxic substances.
What to do: Don’t buy cheap synthetic varnishes. Read the label carefully – what the varnish is made of. If you have already found money for parquet, do not spoil it with a bad coating!
Ceramic tile
Also an almost perfect finish from an environmental point of view. made from natural materials and usually does not emit any harmful substances.
But! , with which the tiles are attached, may contain phenol and toluene (see “Cut and save!”).
What to do: Take a look at the composition of the glue and do not use harmful.
Print and save!
You see these names in the composition of the product – think about health:
- Toluene, xylene, acetone (solvents) – toxic substances that can irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes and skin.
- Formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde – carcinogenic, toxic substances. Standing out, irritate the throat, bronchi, mucous membrane of the eyes, reduce immunity.
- Phenol – toxic. Vapors irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory organs, skin.
- Benzene – in large doses, causes nausea and dizziness, with prolonged exposure can cause blood diseases.
- Dioxins – very dangerous substances that can accumulate in the body, suppress immunity and provoke the development of cancer.
Paper wallpapers
“There must be a layer of air between the wallpaper and the wall,” the Ecostandard experts explain.
This condition is fully met by precisely – the cheapest. They allow air to pass through. And also newfangled, but expensive “eco-wallpaper” – from jute, , canvas, etc.
Better to avoid
Laminate
This coating is extremely popular because it is quite economical. But it is difficult to call it environmentally friendly. Its composition does not differ much from the long-branded fiberboard (fiberboard) and particleboard (particleboard) – formaldehyde is usually used in all of these materials. The question is – in what quantities?
What to do: Pay attention to what kind of rooms a particular type of laminate is intended for (see the label or ask the seller for instructions).
In any case, this is not the best option for a nursery.
Linoleum
In theory, there is such a thing as natural , but you are unlikely to find it on the market – it is usually used in medical institutions.
The place of most types of synthetic linoleum, according to ecologists, is on the loggia and in the back rooms.
“Inexpensive linoleum, especially new or when heated in direct sunlight, emits a whole range of different organic substances that make up its composition,” explains Denis Ananyev, a specialist at Ecostandard. – Remember how linoleum smells in the store! Expensive imported linoleum is not that smelly. But the cost is close to parquet, and it is better to buy parquet.
What to do: If you still opted for linoleum, do not buy cheap. Especially if the label says: “Only for industrial premises” (on the market this can be sold). The linoleum floor should be washed at least 2 – 3 times a week so that no electric charge builds up on it.
Carpeting
Purely in terms of chemical composition, it is not dangerous. But it is not considered environmentally friendly. Because if you are allergic or asthmatic, there will be big problems! And also perfectly absorbs odors, so it is better not to use it in a room where people smoke.
What to do: Stock up on a washing vacuum cleaner. This unit will get rid of both dust and odor. But if you are prone to allergies, it is better not to acquire a carpet.
Vinyl wallpapers
If the wallpaper does not breathe, that is, the air is not allowed to pass through, then mold may form between them and the wall. WITH , it happens, it happens. Therefore, according to environmentalists, vinyl is more suitable for the hallway and kitchen.
What to do: It is better to glue paper wallpaper in the nursery and in the bedroom.
50% of finishing materials currently offered on the markets will not pass the elementary environmental impact assessment and may be considered unsafe for health.
(According to the company “Ecostandard”.)
Plastic panels
“If you go around a toilet or a bathroom with plastic panels, it’s okay,” the Ecostandard experts explain. – But at the stove, where the temperature is high, this material begins to release dioxins when heated.
The same, by the way, applies to plastic windows. Under normal conditions, they are completely environmentally friendly. But in case of fire they melt – and then they are dangerous.
Paint
It is paint that is considered the most environmentally friendly material. Of course, not every one. But we have plenty of cheap and fakes.
“Poor quality paints can cause allergies,” ecologists explain. – In severe cases – problems with the liver, kidneys, nervous system.
What to do: Environmentalists advise buying paints of well-known brands – they meet international standards. And better – in chain stores, where there is less chance of buying a fake.
Water-based paints (water emulsion) are generally safe – they do not contain solvents.
How to buy a safe finish
1. The degree of environmental friendliness of finishing materials is indicated on the packaging E1, E2, E3. This is the class of emission of harmful substances.
- E1 – the material is ideal, suitable even for children’s rooms;
- E2 – suitable for the hallway, kitchen, bathroom. For the bedroom and living room, it is better not to take;
- E3 – material for finishing industrial premises. Not suitable for an apartment.
2. Be sure to ask for a hygiene certificate. The certificate always indicates which harmful substances are emitted from the purchased paint or, for example, a wall panel. If there are 5 – 10 of these substances, think about it – maybe it’s not worth buying after all?
True, many hygiene certificates are fake and easy to buy. And if in good stores the certificates are most likely real, then there are many “leftists” in the markets.
3. Many finishing materials have special badges denoting environmental friendliness. For example, “Gryunepunkt” (on imported materials), Ecomaterial (on domestic materials) and others.