As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I live in an apartment building. Because of this, certain things are out of my control. One of which happened yesterday. My next door neighbor’s apartment was painted – something she really didn’t want done but the law demands it every few years.
It was obvious from the very start that low or VOC-free paint was not used due to the smell that made our heads swim. Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) are emitted gases that may have short or long term adverse health effects. Choosing a VOC-free paint will eliminate toxins from emitting into the air over time and therefore, create a safer environment for you and your family.
To make matters worse, our neighbor has asthma and tried to spend the day away from home. She still had to come home to it and spend the night with it, though, and so did we. We were given no warning that this was all going to be done.
I know there’s an economic issue here but safety should take precedent. It really bothers me when “green issues” affect us, “go wrong”, and seem to be out of our control.
So what bothers you? Do you have a neighbor who uses chemical fertilizer or has cut down healthy trees to add on an unnecessary edition to their home? Here’s your chance to let it all out. Go ahead, we’re all listening.
Photo from Flickr by dcJohn
