Posted by Nancy Sabatelli on Oct.22, 2009

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Is your wall color too dull and drab, or shockingly bright? Want to tone it up or down? Time for a change? Maybe you’re just plain sick of your current paint. But when you’re looking through paint swatches, be sure to pick a formula that won’t make you sick, or create harmful environmental gases. No worries — with careful research and savvy shopping, you can find an environmentally-friendly paint in the perfect color.

What Are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds — otherwise known as VOCs — are found in standard, conventional paints. These chemicals cause the strong fumes in paints and products like cleaners, wood preservatives and paint thinners. VOCs help keep pigments and binders in a liquid form so you can apply the paint to a surface, writes Sheryl Eisenberg for the Natural Resources Defense Council (1). Unfortunately, these chemicals are volatile because they’re prone to vaporization — in other words, they turn from liquids or solids into gases (1). And when this happens, problems occur.

Why Are VOCs Harmful?

VOCs can cause hazards to the environment and our health:

• Environment. Once VOCs have turned into gas, they stick together and make the ozone layer thicker, according to Lindsay Borthwick for the Web site, Green Living Online (2). VOCs also negatively impact air quality. Not surprisingly, since the 1980s, government and environmental agencies have pushed for regulatory reform on paints containing VOCs (2).
• Health. Because they stick around for months even after the paint has dried, VOCs can have a long-term lasting impact on our health. Sometimes they cause minor irritations, but VOCs have also been linked to far more serious health problems, (depending on the concentration of VOCs in a particular paint). Experts warn that these problems can include:

• Eye, throat and nose irritation
• Allergies and respiratory problems
• Skin irritation
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Liver and kidney disease
• Central nervous system damage Cancer (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

How Are Low VOC Or No VOC Paints Different From Conventional Paints?

First off, it can be tricky to determine what exactly constitutes “low VOC” or “no VOC” paints. These designations are based on the levels of certain ingredients in paints:

Low VOC paints have no synthetic petroleum solvents, but can contain “very low levels of heavy metals and formaldehyde,” notes Shelagh McNally for the Web site, Green Living (4). They can contain up to 380 grams of VOCs per liter, but usually have less than 50 grams per liter (1, 4, 6). Also, VOCs in low VOC paint don’t stay in the air as long as VOCs from conventional paints (4).

No VOC paints must have less than five grams per liter (1, 4, 6). Keep in mind, though, that a paint can claim to be “no VOC” or “zero VOC” and still contain VOCs in the pigments. “VOCs that may be present in the pigment are not listed on paint labels and websites. Only VOCs in the base paint are,” cautions Eisenberg (1). Opt for an eco-friendly, low VOC or no VOC paint with a Green Seal Standard (GS-11) or Green Guard Air Control label (4, 6).

Certain characteristics set low VOC and no VOC paints apart from standard, conventional paints:

• Different materials. Instead of synthetic materials, solvents and pigments, low VOC and no VOC paints can be made from natural materials. These often include milk proteins, clay, limestone, berries, minerals, soy and essential oils, Borthwick explains (2).
• Environment. Using low VOC and no VOC paints reduces the amount of harmful VOCs released into the atmosphere and ozone layer. These paints have less odor and fumes than standard paints. Plus, they’re less hazardous to the ground and water supply when they’re discarded, claims the Web site, Eartheasy (6).
• Health. Because of their reduced toxins, low VOC and no VOC paints are recommended for people with sensitivities and allergies. They may pose fewer health risks (6).

How Do Low VOC and No VOC Paints Perform?

Fortunately, low VOC and no VOC paints perform quite well, offering several benefits. They:

• Dry quickly
• Have minimal odor
• Provide good coverage and can cover up mistakes from earlier coats
• Are long-lasting and durable
• Work well on many different surfaces
• Are easy to clean and scrub with simple soap and water (2, 6).

Where Can I Find Low VOC and No VOC Paints?

They’re readily available and shouldn’t be hard to find: check your local home improvement or hardware stores. Many well-known, famous paint brands make low VOC and no VOC paints (6).

What Are Some Tips to Stay Safe While Painting?

Regardless of the formula you choose, be sure to follow these safety hints when you’re painting:

• Use proper ventilation. Keep windows and doors open to let out fumes and let in fresh air. Fans are also helpful.
• Wear protective eye goggles and face masks.
• Wash your hands after painting.
• If you have leftover paint, apply a thin layer of plastic over the can before putting the top back on. Seal it tightly, and keep it out of extreme heat or cold. “Store the can upside down,” according to Eartheasy (6).
• Keep paint away from flames or smoke. Never pour old paint down the drain as this will contaminate the water supply and soil. And don’t toss it with your regular trash, either. Old paint must be disposed of properly. Call your town offices or recycling centers for more information (1, 3, 6, 7).

Yes, it really is possible to choose an eco-friendly paint that also minimizes your health risks and gives you the colors you want. Now, if only you can teach your husband the difference between blue and purple…

Sources

1. Eisenberg, Sheryl. Low-VOC Paints – Preferable, Available, Affordable. (May 2009). Natural Resources Defense Council. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0905.asp

2. Borthwick, Lindsay. Beautiful Natural and Eco Paints. (2009). Green Living Online. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/beautiful-natural-and-eco-paints

3. Underwood, Kristin. Buy Green: Interior Paint. (March 31, 2009). Planet Green. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://planetgreen.discovery.com/buying-guides/buy-green-interior-paint.html

4. McNally, Shelagh. Paint Your Rooms Enviro-Friendly and Safe. (2009). Green Living. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/paint-your-rooms-enviro-friendly-and-safe

5. Green Rookie: Adding Color with Low VOC Paint. (June 29, 2009). Natural Home. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Green-Decor-and-Design/Green-Rookie-Adding-Color-With-Low-VOC-Paint.aspx

6. Non-Toxic Paints. (2009). Eartheasy. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm

7. Healthy Painting Tips. (2009). Paint Quality Institute. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.paintquality.com/going-green/environment/healthy-painting.html

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