Non-toxic paint, eco paint, low-voc paint, AFM Safecoat, Massachusetts

Back in the early 80's, no one was thinking about indoor air pollution or chemical toxicity in household and building products. But AFM was working with environmental medicine physicians and their patients - people with allergies and chemical sensitivities - to formulate products that do not leave irritating chemical residues in the air after use, and therefore do not contribute to the "chemical soup" created by ordinary materials. Every AFM product has been used successfully even by those most sensitive to environmental pollutants - the chemically sensitive/environmentally ill.

Other companies have introduced “no odor” or 0 VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, but none have been formulated with a view toward human health and the elimination of toxicity. These “environmental” paints can have toxic ingredients exempt from government regulations. The fact that something has no VOC does not mean that it does not contain ingredients which are toxic (for example formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone or odor masking agents) or that it is free from offgassing. If it contains masking agents, then that’s just another unnecessary chemical that is hiding whatever affects may be occurring from whatever’s coming off the paint. We frequently receive letters and calls from customers who have used some other company’s O VOC paint and still can’t tolerate being in the room, because there is something coming off it to which they are sensitive. On the other hand, 99.9% of those using Safecoat tolerate it without any adverse effects when properly applied and cured.

Is there formaldehyde in your products?
No. But formaldehyde is in many products because it is very inexpensive and it works extremely well as a preservative. In addition, many products contain ingredients which create formaldehyde as they are being used. We go to great lengths to make sure that neither formaldehyde nor such formaldehyde precursors are used in our manufacturing processes. This is just a basic standard we set for health and safety.

Can your products seal in offgassing?
Most of our products are structured to set up an extremely tight barrier against chemical offgassing through a unique process of molecular bonding. Independent tests have shown that even Safecoat Zero VOC paint reduces formaldehyde transmission by 90%. Moreover, all AFM products are formulated to cause the least amount of offgassing possible.

What is the shelf life of your products?
AFM products are extremely stable and should, with proper storage, last up to two years. Unlike virtually any other paint, our products do not contain heavy duty, toxic mildewcides or fungicides, so if they are subject to contamination then things like mold and mildew can grow in the product. The biggest source of potential contamination is when tools are repeatedly dipped directly into the can or bucket. It is recommended that you pour the amount of product you think you will use into a separate container. When the job is completed, tightly reseal any remainder in the original container and store in a cool, dry place.

How durable are the products?
AFM products are premium quality and perform as well as and, in many cases, better than most mainstream, toxic brands on the market.