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VOC's, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are the emissions or fumes that are released into the air during and after a paint has been applied to a surface. These substances could wreck havoc on the immune system; from respiratory inflammation to allergic reactions, headaches and, with prolonged exposure, some of these substances have strongly been linked to cancer and other auto-immune diseases.
Although common household latex paints use water as their solvent and carrier, they still contain plenty of additives that off gas for weeks after the paint has been applied.
VOC levels are expressed in pounds per gallon (lbs/gal) or grams per liter (g/l). Interior paint is given a Green Seal if it has a VOC content less than 50 g/l (for flat sheen) or 150 g/l (non-flat sheen).
Luckily today, more and more people have become educated and are not taking second chances when it comes to their health. New (and in fact quite ancient) paint formulations are slowly gaining in popularity despite the low pricing and loud advertisements of giant paint manufacturers who claim to have a "low-VOC" products readily available.
The few environmentally friendly and health conscious paint companies out there are usually based in California, which is the state with most advanced EPA standards in the country. The paints are lyme and casein -based and give wonderful results when used according to directions. In our Important Links page we will be posting additional information on how to find some of these amazing products.
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