Low-VOC Paint

According to the EPA, indoor air is regarded as one of the top 5 risks to human health. It is three times more polluted than outdoor air. Paints and finishes discharge low level toxic fumes in the air for years after application. Until recent times the cause of these toxins, various volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were necessary for the paint to perform well.


Low-VOC Interior Paint – A Healthy Alternative

New manufacturing methods now allow the development of low-VOC and even no-VOC paints that discharge a negligible level of pollutants, and are almost odor-free. Companies have risen to the test of developing high-quality, latex-based paints, stains and clear finishes. It should be noted, however, that not every latex-based coating is low in VOC’s, and a few oil-based paints meet the criteria of low-VOC because their formulas have been adapted.

Eye pain, respiratory problems, asthma attacks, nausea and lightheadedness are just some of the symptoms that can result from exposure to VOC’s in paint. Prolonged exposure has been linked to kidney and liver disease and even cancer. Given these health fears, voluntary standards for low-VOC paint products have been developed by Green Seal, an independent non-profit who sets standards for environmentally responsible products.

You’re probably wondering what qualifies as low-VOC paint. According to the EPA, for latex and flat-finish paints to qualify, there must be less than 250 grams of VOC’s per liter. Oil-based and all other paints must have less than 380 g/L. In order to qualify as VOC-free, paint must have less than 5 g/L. Most low-VOC paint sold by reputable traders have levels of 50 g/L and below.

It’s a good idea to read the label carefully, because as you can see, the amount of VOC’s in “low-VOC” paint can vary widely.