Natural Paint Is Nontoxic Alternative

Though latex, or water-based, paint is relatively nontoxic, some people are sensitive to all toxic chemicals.

A 1987 study by the National Academy of Sciences estimated that 15 percent of the population may suffer from such symptoms as headaches, breathing problems, irregular heartbeat or disorientation as a result of exposure to chemicals.

If you think you might be one of this ``chemically sensitive'' 15 percent, consider buying nontoxic, natural paints. They are a little more expensive than regular paints and aren't available in quite as many colors - a small price to pay for having such luxuries as, say, a regular heartbeat.

Here is a partial list, from the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 10 office, of companies that produce such paints and finishes.

AFM Enterprises, Inc.

1140 Stacy Court

Riverside, CA 92507

HealthMasters, Inc.

12 Burtis Ave.

P.O. Box 514

New Canaan, CT 06840

(203) 966-7216

Livos PlantChemistry

Dept. GM

1365 Rufina Circle

Santa Fe, NM 87501

(505) 438-3448

Murco Wall Products, Inc.

300 N.E. 21st St.

Fort Worth, TX 76106

(817) 626-1987

Negley Paint Co.

P.O. Box 47848

San Antonio, TX 78265-8848

Nigra Enterprises

5699 Kanan Road

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

(818) 889-6877

Pace Industries, Inc.

710 Woodlawn Drive

Thousand OAks, CA 91360

Woodpecker's Tools, Inc.

614 Agua Fria St.

Santa Fe, NM 87501

(505) 438-3885

One local source, which stocks some nontoxic paints and finishes, is City People's Mercantile, 500 15th Ave. E., Seattle.

Call your favorite paint or hardware store to find other local sources.

Susan McGrath's column runs every other Sunday in the Home/Real Estate section of The Times.