Low-VOC Paint

Alternative paints emit fewer fumes

Paint is composed of three components. The pigment represents the color; a binding agent ensures that the pigment sticks to the wall; and a solvent keeps it all liquid until exposed to air. The solvent evaporates on application, leaving the pigment behind on the wall. The solvents are the main source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint.

Most conventional paints contain high levels of VOCs, which emit a breathable gas when applied. VOCs are known to diminish air quality and may be a health hazard. Fumes can cause eye and throat irritation, as well as headaches, nausea and dizziness. Some people with asthma find that paint fumes can trigger attacks. Long-term exposure to VOCs has been linked to kidney disease, liver damage and cancer. Most homeowners, who paint once every couple of years, probably won't be too concerned about VOCs, provided the rooms being painted have good ventilation. However, there are several alternatives if you are affected by paint fumes, if sensitive people live in your home, or if you just don't relish breathing VOCs.

Manufacturers have instituted alternative production techniques to help decrease the amount of VOCs and odors found in interior paint. A "Green Seal" is given to paints with a VOC content less than 50 g/L (for flat sheens) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheens).

Here's a guide to some terminology:

VOC: Volatile organic compounds are the organic solvents found in commercial paint, which evaporate during the paint curing process. These compounds are the carrier responsible for the paint being able to spread on a surface. Usually, 250 to 350 parts VOC are in a pound of paint. The odor during the paint curing process comes from the evaporation of these compounds.

Low-VOC: Defined as one part VOC per pound of paint, low-VOC paints have far fewer VOCs than conventional paint. Low-VOC paint has almost no smell, though some chemically sensitive people may still notice the VOC odor. Benjamin Moore Aura -- profiled above -- is a low-VOC paint.

No-VOC: This type of paint has no VOCs at all. Since there is not any VOC present, chemically sensitive people will not be affected. However, chemically sensitive people may still be sensitive to other paint components, which also give off an odor. Not all zero-VOC paints are odor-free.

Non-toxic: This type of interior paint is also referred to as natural. These products are no-VOC and non-hazardous. Natural materials like plant dyes, linseed oil and milk protein are used instead of chemical components. Non-toxic does not necessarily mean low-odor, however.

Be aware that due to U.S. EPA paint labeling regulations, some toxic ingredients found in conventional, low-VOC and no-VOC paint might not be listed on the paint container. An MSDS sheet should be consulted for a complete list of all the paint ingredients.

Alternative paints are worth considering for those who are sensitive to paint compounds or those who want to use environmentally friendly products. Sherwin-Williams Harmony paints (*Est. $40 per gallon) have zero VOCs and low odor. The paint fares well in a casual test at The Green Guide. Kate Harris notes that it's widely available and, just like Sherwin-Williams conventional products, can be custom tinted, giving you a lot of color choices (be aware that the tints themselves may contain a small amount of VOCs). Sherwin-Williams Harmony paints go on like any latex paint, so there's no learning curve. However, some forum posts we've seen say coverage is not as good as conventional paints. One additional review we've seen says Harmony paints are prone to fading.

Though it's yet to appear in professional reviews, we saw some good forum comments on a line of paints from Mythic, a small company producing a variety of zero-VOC, zero-carcinogen paints. Reports say that Mythic (*est. $50 per gallon) is easy to use and provides great coverage. It is available from a small network of dealers, or it can be ordered direct from the manufacturer if no dealer is nearby. A wide color pallet is available, and the company says that it can match competitor's colors. The biggest negative cited is the price.