Description

Not so long ago, it was common for fumes to drive people from their homes during repainting. Most conventional paints contained high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that produced a toxic gas when applied. Paints and other protective finishes are often formulated with solvents (or VOCs) to improve performance and durability.

The VOCs diminish air quality, and may be detrimental to your health. Today, alternative manufacturing techniques have allowed the development of low- and no-VOC paints that release no, or minimal VOC pollutants, and are virtually odor free.

Additionally, paint cleanup often requires toxic solvents that release additional VOC pollutants. 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, mainly by developing high-quality, latex-based coatings for a wide variety of uses.

Latex paints use water as their solvent and carrier, allowing both easier cleanup and generally lower toxicity than oil-based paints. Today, latex paints are equal or better in quality and durability in many applications than conventional oil-based formulas. Many water-based stains and clear finishes for floors and cabinets are also commonly available.

It should be noted that not every latex-based coating is low in VOCs. Products may be described as low-VOC when they off-gas significantly less than other products. Some oil-based paints qualify as low-VOC because their formulas have been modified. 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).

For persons who are particularly sensitive, or have strong concerns about air quality, most major manufacturers now offer special no-VOC paints that are odorless and completely "VOC-free."

Urban Edge Guidelines

• Use products with low or no VOC content and water-based formulations whenever available and appropriate to the use.
• Select latex paints over oil-based or natural paints.
• Select paints that are certified by Green Seal

Spotlight on Urban Edge

We used low VOC, interior paints at Egleston Crossing. We used the Duron Dura Clad, Duron Genesis, and Duron T2 brand paints. All paints contained less than 45 g/l of VOC.

Options and Criteria Review

Types of Paint

• Latex Paints (acrylic and acetate binders)
• Oil Paints (petroleum and synthetic binders)
• Natural Paints (natural oil and casin binders)

Click here to learn more.

Resources

For Developers

• GreenHomeGuide’s Paints Directory . Latex and natural paints that have been approved by GreenHomeGuide’s panel of Subject Editors for their green characteristics and ease of use.
• The Master Painters Institute’s Green Performance Standards . A PDF explaining MPI’s new paint standards, including VOC limits for various coating types as well as a list of ingredients not allowed in paints it approves. This list is useful for comparison against a product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). 
•  Green Seal’s reports on Paints. More information on types of paints and health effects of materials in paints.
• Buildingscience.com’s Painting Guide Information on the durability and application of paint. Buildingscience.com is a good general, though more technical, resource for homeowners.

For Users

• The EPA’s pages on Painting and Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Indoor Painting Practices . Explanations of VOCs released during painting and precautions to take while painting your home.

References