Why Zero-VOC? | Global Colours

STUDENT ART ACRYLIC

Safer for young artists to use

World’s First ZERO VOC Eco-Friendly Student Art Acrylic

Handmade in Australia

Our acrylic paints, mediums and liquid body art paints are all handmade by our friendly team in Sydney Australia.

Since 1992

We started mixing in 1992 and we continue helping you bring your vision to the world with affordable, high quality paints.

Eco-aware

We are changing to biodegradable or compostable packaging and ensuring recyclable plastic is used wherever possible.

Cruelty-free

We never test our products on animals. Everything we make is vegan-friendly with zero animal derived ingredients.

Palm Oil Policy

We are working with suppliers to move to 100% free of palm oil derivative products – evolving our formulas to use the least toxic ingredients possible.

What are VOC’s and why should we be avoiding them?

The VOC acronym stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are carbon-containing compounds emitted as gasses into the air.
There are 500+ known VOC’s which are listed by the World Health Organisation as being toxic to humans. They accumulate within human fat cells.
Paints and other materials like furnishings, building materials, adhesives, carpets, MDF and cleaning fluids can emit these gases for years.
These gasses contribute to ozone pollution, which is bad for the environment, and they also pollute the air inside homes or classrooms, which can be detrimental for our health.
The EPA reports that VOCs can lead to adverse health effects like:
eye, nose and throat irritation
headaches
increased asthma attacks and allergies
liver, kidneys and central nervous system damage
behavioural and learning difficulties
cancer
Yikes, right?

“I love the richness of the colours”
Professional Artist

“I can’t believe how good the texture and structure is, and how vibrant the colours are. Truly impressed..”
Professional Artist

“Now I know my students can paint with complete safety.”
Art Teacher

Ingredient	Used for in formula	Long term (low dose) toxic effect to humans	Toxic effect to environment	Present in VOC Y/N
Ammonia	Balances pH	Can disturb pH of the body, nose and throat irritation, can build up in the body causing coughs, asthma, lung fibrosis, chronic irritation of eye membranes and dermatitis have been reported. It is classed as an highly toxic class 11 material as an increase in pH would disturb all enzyme catalysed reactions in the body and make the plasma membrane unstable.	Occurs naturally in the environment from decaying organisms but even at extremely low concentrations aquatic life will be harmed by ammonia.	Now not present in Global Colours Student Acrylic and replaced with a VOC free stabilising agent.
Propylene Glycol	Drying retarder, improves brushability.	Although considered safe, when used in high doses for prolonged periods, PG toxicity can occur with reported adverse effects including central nervous system toxicity, hyperosmolarity, hemolysis, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, agitation, lactic acidosis. Side effects include diarrhea, internal bleeding, severe stomach pain, dizziness, gas or upset stomach, increased sweating.	Although the direct toxicity of propylene glycol is relatively low, indirect effects on aquatic life are common at release sites.	Now not present in Global Colours Student Acrylic and replaced with a VOC free alternative.
Surfactants (alkylphenol ethoxylates – APEO)	Used as dispersing agent	Endocrine disruptor and therefore pose significant risk to humans. Potential health effects include infertility, birth defects and skin and eye irritation. These toxins are discharged into wastewaters and make their way to water sources, soils, and our food. Since these toxins are persistent and bioaccumulate, their metabolites have been found in human tissues, urine, blood, and even breast milk.	Accumulates in the environment over time – extremely toxic to aquatic organisms with long lasting effects. Some fish and invertebrates can develop both male and female sex organs after exposure.	Now not present in Global Colours Student Acrylic and replaced with an APEO free alternative.
Preservatives (CMIT)	Anti-bacterial additive	Skin irritation, acts as formaldehyde donor which is a known carcinogen. Known to be associated with asthma, possible neurotoxicity and dermatitis.	Some refer to it as the “new DDT”, very toxic to aquatic organisms,	Now not present in Global Colours Student Acrylic and replaced with a non-CMIT emitting alternative.
Cellulostic Thickener	Thickening agent	Contains Isopropyl alcohol, known as a VOC. Ingestion, inhalation, and absorption of isopropyl alcohol results in poisoning and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat and is bad for the central nervous system.	Strong acid manufacturing process.	Now not present in Global Colours Student Acrylic and replaced with a non-VOC emitting alternative.
Resin	Binder and carrier vehicle for pigment	Endocrine disruptor and therefore pose significant risk to humans. Potential health effects include infertility, birth defects and skin and eye irritation. These toxins are discharged into wastewaters and make their way to water sources, soils, and our food. Since these toxins are persistent and bioaccumulate, their metabolites have been found in human tissues, urine, blood, and even breast milk.	Accumulates in the environment over time – extremely toxic to aquatic organisms with long lasting effects. Some fish and invertebrates can develop both male and female sex organs after exposure.	Now not present in Global Colours Student Acrylic and replaced with an APEO free alternative.