Learn How to Get Rid of Paint Properly, Seven Gen Student Says

Special to Patch by Alexander Ciereszko

Did you know that paint contains VOC’s which are dangerous and can cause respiratory problems and nervous system problems? Do you know how to dispose of paint? Do you know that paint can cause cancer? Many people don’t know how to dispose of paint the proper way. I think that people should know how to dispose of paint the proper way.

Oil paint is flammable, toxic, and reactive. Most paint has a high amount of VOC’S. VOC’S stand for VOLITILE ORGANIC COMPOUND. VOC’S can cause headaches and dizziness if you inhale the fumes. Oil paint can also cause respiratory, nervous system, and even skin problems. Oil paint is toxic and can cause cancer when you are exposed to it for a long time. It can also KILL animals. Do you know how to dispose of paint the proper way?                     

If you have extra paint what do you do? The proper way of disposing paint is to put kitty litter or flour to dry up the paint. Make sure you keep the lid open for the recycling company to see the lid is dry. Another way is to take paint to a special disposal area. These people will try to recycle the paint or dispose of it the proper way.

Many people don’t know how to dispose of paint the proper way. Because of this, animals are sick and people are getting cancer or other diseases. Please tell people to dispose of paint the proper way. Help the environment, DO something.  

Alexander Ciereszko, of Coopersburg, is a currently a 4th grade student at Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus. Ciereszko's class has been studying household hazardous waste and the students wrote opinion articles on the topic.