Paint Zero DIY Microplastics Audit

Welcome, and thank you for taking part.

Please read this introduction before you start...

After redecorating, most people don't give much more thought to the paints and wallcoverings in their homes. However, for many decades, the majority of conventional interior paints and vinyl wallcoverings have been made using synthetic polymer materials, such as vinyls, acrylics and other plastics.

Over time, these painted and coated surfaces can age and wear due to factors such as cleaning, moisture, sunlight and everyday use. When this happens, changes to the surface are not always easy to see with the naked eye.

Ongoing scientific research shows that indoor environments contain a wide range of fine particles and that some of these particles can originiate from everyday building materials. including paints and wallcoverings. Indoor microplastics, and how materials wear, is therefore an expanding area of research.

Whar this audit is - and is not.

This DIY audit is NOT a laboratory test and it is NOT a medical or air-quality assessment.

It is a set of visual and surface observation exercises that have been developed to help you:

• identify signs of current surface wear or degradation on painted walls or wallcoverings
• know how to recheck ageing or heavily used surfaces periodically
• make informed choices about how to refurbish interior spaces in the future

What you will be able to do by taking part

You can carry out the audit in up to three rooms in your home. We suggest: 1 bedroom, 1 living room, and either a kitchen or bathroom.

Each room will take around 5-10 minutes to assess.

You will only need to gather some everyday household items, such as:

• a dark cloth (for example a black microfibre cloth or black sock)
• clear adhesive tape
• a cup of water
• a bright torch or smartphone lighr
• and, optionally, a simple magnifying glass.

You can enter answers directly into your smartphone or tablet, or keep pen and paper handy to note results.

How your information is used.,

Your email is only used to send you your audit results and general guidance.

We do not sell or share your personal data and process it according to GDPR and PECR regulations.

However, anonymouse data on age of building, environment and room type would help support materials sicentists and environmental researchers to understand if these factors are significant..

What happens after

After you have completed your audit and submitted your results, then we will email you:

• a summary of the conditions you observed in each room you audited
• an overall indicative score or surface condition
• general suggestios for good surface care and refurbishment

Legal note: Results from your participation will be informational only and are not a scientific diagnosis, an air quality test, or an assessment of health risks.

We do not provide medical advice and if you have concerns about the medical symptoms of building occupants you should seek advice from a qualified professional.

Your personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and PECR.

Ready to Start?

Please enter your name and email address belowyour (for report) and permission to use anonymous data from your tests for scientific research.

Then gather your equipment together and hit START to begin

By entering my name and email address below I agree that I am participating in an observational audit, and not a scientific or medical assessment of any conditions.

I also agree that anonymised results from my entries may be used for scientific research.