The Truth About VOCs and Painting
Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.
VOCs include a wide variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long term adverse health
effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than
outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include:
paint and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office
equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluid and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft
materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all
contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products.
Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you
are using them, and to some degree, when they are being stored.
Not so long ago it was common for paint fumes to drive people from their homes during the repainting
process. Most conventional paints contained high levels of VOCs that produce a breathable gas when
released. VOCs diminish air quality and may be detrimental to your health. Today alternative
manufacturing techniques have allowed for the development of Low and No-VOC paints that release
minimal VOC pollutants, and are virtually odor free.
Paints, adhesives, and other protective finishes are often formulated with solvents (or VOCs) to improve
performance and durability. Additionally, paint cleanup often requires toxic solvents that release
additional VOC pollutants. However, increased awareness of possible health risks and overall air quality
concerns has led to a demand for products lower in VOCs. Manufacturers have therefore risen to the
challenge by developing high-quality, latex-based coatings and adhesives for a wide variety of uses. Latex
paints use water as their solvent and carrier, allowing easier cleanup and generally lower toxicity than oil-based
paints. Today, latex products are equal or better in quality and durability than conventional oil-based
formulas.
It should be noted that not all latex-based coatings are low in VOCs. VOC levels are usually expressed in
grams per gallon. Interior paint is given a Green Seal if it has a VOC content of less than 50 grams for flat
sheen and less than 150 grams for non-flat sheen. For persons who are particularly sensitive, or have
strong concerns about air quality, most major manufactures now offer special Low or No-VOC paints that
are odorless and virtually VOC free. I say virtually because the measurement to determine the volume of
VOCs in a substance can only measure down to 5 grams.
As a responsible painting contractor and someone who is concerned about the environment, I choose to
paint with Low and No-VOC paint systems. Although paint is only one of many sources of VOCs, using
Low or No-VOC materials is a way I can make a small difference.
If we all strive to make small differences, it will make a big difference!