The government regulates them in some household items as part of theClean Air Act.
Since every room in a house and the exterior are usually painted, VOCs are already everywhere.
Paint can off-gas fumes for weeks, months, or years after initial system.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
VOCs can build up in the home.
What Is No vs. Low-VOC Paint?
Low-VOC paint means that the paint contains less than 50 grams per liter of volatile organic compounds.
Even if they have no or low VOC, these paints may still contain other harmful chemicals.
And, if you are mixing in color, the process often adds VOCs.
No or Low-VOC Paint
Paint formulations have come a long way.
No and low-VOC paints have been tweaking their ingredients to get smooth paints, even with lower VOC contents.
No and low-VOC paints have been formulated to be as durable as standard VOC paints.
If a no or low-VOC paint has the “Green Seal,” it meets paint durability standards.
Color
The richest colors have more VOCs.
The addition of colorants raises the VOC content of the paint.
Paints that have no color have fewer VOCs.
Best for Color: Standard VOC Paint
Colorants usually equal VOCs.
Some paint manufacturers offer zero-VOC colorants, although they’re less common and much more expensive.
Cost
Standard VOC paints are usually the cheapest option available.
An ordinary gallon of paint can cost, on average, $20 to $30.
Also, you may need fewer coats of traditional VOC paint than a no or low-VOC paint.
No or low VOC paints cost more than standard VOC paints.
Low-VOC paints can cost about $40 to $50 per gallon.
Meanwhile, no-VOC paints cost about $50 to $60 per gallon.
Odor
If youre sensitive to odor, standard VOC paints are known for their distinctive chemical smell.
you could mitigate the smell by putting aHEPA-filtered air purifierin the room after painting.
One of the biggest benefits to getting no or low-VOC paint is they have very low odor.
Proper ventilation allows for safer breathing and helps the paint dry.
Health Concerns
Standard VOC paints have high levels of VOCs and other toxic ingredients.
A better alternative for those with health concerns is paint labeled “non-toxic” or “natural.”
However, other ingredients in the paint can tip the balance.
No and low-VOC paints may have fewer VOCs, but they are not entirely harmless.
VOCs are only one of several toxic compounds in paints.
The other components can be just as bad, if not worse.
115863, 2017. doi:10.1080/10934529.2017.1356208
Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality.Environmental Protection Agency.
Does EPA Regulate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Household Products?United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Healthy Indoor Painting Practices.
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxins, EPA.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
