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answered

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• How are natural paints different to traditional mass-market paint?
• Are natural paints more expensive?
• Are the eco paints you supply safe for allergy sufferers?
• Are natural eco paints safe for use during pregnancy?
• Can you ship to an alternative address?

How are natural paints different to traditional mass-market paint?

The mass-market paints commonly found in DIY stores generally contain a cocktail of synthetic and petrochemical preparations - including many of the water based products - whereas the environmentally friendly eco paint we supply is made from natural and organic raw materials e.g. wood resins, plant oils and earth pigments. These paints are also produced in a more sustainable fashion and, when the dried product waste is composted, a closed environmental cycle is completed.

Unlike mass-market paints, natural paints do not contribute to smog or release chemicals which may harm the ozone layer. Furthermore, people with allergies tend to find natural paints can be used with little - or no - discomfort, and tend therefore to be preferred to the mass-market petrochemical soup.

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Are natural paints more expensive?

In general, yes. Although the price per litre may be higher – especially for gloss paint – natural paint can often be more economical when it goes further, and saves time and money on maintenance. But what price do you put on your health?

Sometimes the only way to answer these type of cost questions is to think deeply about your own priorities and concerns relating to the health of your family and your home or your work environment, not forgetting the long term prospects for the planet and future generations. Please remember, the mistakes we make today, will be the burden our children inherit.

"From an ecological point of view organically based environmentally friendly eco paint costs less than many synthetic products, simply because the indirect ecological costs (for waste management and energy input, for example) are much less."
Source: AURO natural paints

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Are the eco paints you supply safe for allergy sufferers?

As a chemically sensitive allergy sufferer that has never experienced an allergic reaction when using these paints, I can say that for me, they are antiallergenic. But as all allergy sufferers know, a substance that is allergically benign for one person can be the source for dramatic adverse effects for another. So please read on for an explanation of the approach taken to help reduce any adverse effects you may experience.

When an allergy to conventional paints exists, the causes can be solvents (white spirit, isoaliphates) or synthetic resins (epoxy resins, iso-cyanats, polyurethanes). In principle, every made-to-measure chemical in paints and varnishes is a potential allergy inducer when, say, a solvent is exposed to the air or when a person is in frequent contact with it (professional decorators, for example).

Natural substances can also cause allergic reactions, especially if there is a history of complaints induced by chemicals. Essential oils which are present in nature (as volatile aroma essence) make excellent solvents in natural paints, but are also possible irritants. Similarly, natural resins and the oxidation products of plant based oils can cause irritation. However, pollen residues in beeswax are totally harmless as they are bonded and therefore immobile.

A change to non-allergenic and less active raw materials in cosmetics, medicines or, for that matter, varnishes and paints, can only be related to current levels of knowledge: the long term risks and the extent to which allergies will be induced is as yet unknown. In principle, every substance – and especially every foreign substance – can cause allergies. Inevitably, the less active substances accumulate in the environment and from these they, in turn, put pressure on the immune system.

When sensitivity or allergy to a certain product is suspected, one must first find out exactly which substances the allergy-inducer consists of. The first aid at the 'guessing' stage of an allergy is the total disclosure of every raw material contained in the relevant product. With the help of this full declaration early suspicions can either be confirmed or dismissed.

If sensitivity to one of the substances used in the products we supply is proven, we can arrange an individual remedy. With the help of a cross reference list, we will name all the products which do not contain your allergy inducer. As a general rule, there are often several products available for one application, and we will find the most desirable solution for you.

We'll use our ingenuity: in seemingly hopeless situations there is the possibility to develop a special product which specifically avoids using your allergy inducer. We believe that only through individual consultation and responsible behaviour can the most favourable ecological and toxicological conditions be achieved. Source: AURO natural paints

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Are natural eco paints safe for use during pregnancy?

We are unaware of any reason why the products we supply should not be used for decorating your home during pregnancy, and we certainly believe they are preferable to the petrochemical-based alternative. Good luck to all who are expecting to hear the patter of tiny feet.

You may be interested to know that several of the products we supply have been specifically tested and approved for use on children's wooden toys, cots, and in play environments.

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Can you ship to an alternative address?

Yes we can - but only for established customers, and at your risk. Your options are:

• Leave the shipping address as your home address, but in the 'Delivery Instructions' box, type something like, 'If out, please leave with neighbour at No 23'. Your goods will be delivered to the cardholder's address; or delivered to the designated neighbour in accordance with your instructions; or returned to the courier's depot if a signature is unobtainable.
   
• To deliver to an alternative address that is not an immediate neighbour e.g. for delivery to your work address, during checkout, click the 'Change' button; next to the Delivery Address, and provide the requested details. Your goods will be delivered to your work address or returned to the courier's depot if a signature is unobtainable.
   
  See Terms and Conditions for further details
  
  Important notes:
  

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