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Use no-VOC paints

Why This is Green

Ever wonder what that new paint smell is? Bad news: it’s the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in traditional paints wafting up and out—aka offgassing—into the air we breathe. These are usually from chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene—a mix of known carcinogens and neurotoxins that may also have other health effects—short and long-term. Overall they contribute to poor air quality and can offgas for years post paint job.

Thankfully a whole market of safer paints has sprung up. These go steps beyond low-VOC paints, the now widely available better-than-conventional choice. The best and healthiest in this arena are both no-VOC and non-toxic.

There are no government-set standards for no- or zero-VOC paints, but they tend to contain around 5 grams or less of VOCs per liter. Some paints claim to be zero-VOC when they do actually contain VOCs from colorants, biocides, or fungicides. Buyer be educated.

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How To

You can find no-VOC, non-toxic paints at many home improvement centers, specialty hardware stores, and online.

When adding color, look for no-VOC, non-toxic tints as well.

Keep in mind that natural paints may cost a little bit more and take longer to dry than traditional paints, but are arguably worth the cash and the wait.