Killer Paint Job

You know the smell of new paint, the one thatToday almost every paint manufacturer offers at
gives you a slight headache? That's the smell ofleast one variety of non-VOC paint.
the paint releasing toxin-containing fumes whichVOCs are measured in grams per liter (g/L). While
may be harmful to you and your family. Forstandards vary somewhat, national regulations
those with chemical sensitivities and allergies,limit VOC content of flat paint to 250 g/l and
these hidden pollutants can make life extremelynon-flat to 380 g/l. Although it's almost impossible
difficult, and they aren't good for the rest of us.to make a completely toxin and VOC free paint,
The EPA estimates over 10,000 Americans areit's not hard to find safer alternative: "No VOC"
killed annually by indoor air pollution, and onepaint is typically considered anything less than 5g
source of this pollution are the toxic VOCsL. "Low VOC" paint is anything less than 50g/L.
(volatile organic compounds) that are releasedKeep in mind that adding color can increase the
from new building materials, paints and otherVOC levels.
finishes as they "off-gas". In addition toThe cost of low and no-VOC paints is usually
respiratory and eye irritation, headaches andaround the same as a manufacturer's premium
muscle weakness, VOCs have been linked topaint line. There are many benefits to choosing
serious conditions like liver disease and lung cancer.these paints – they are effective and long
Studies have found that when paint is drying,lasting, have reduced toxins and fumes (low odor
indoor air can contain VOCs at levels up to 1,000and no off-gassing means higher indoor air quality),
times that of outdoor air.and they have environmental advantages as well.
How can you reduce your family's exposure toUsing low and no-VOC paint reduces groundwater
these chemicals? Well, the good news is that, aspollutants and ozone depleting contaminants. They
the links between health effects and air qualitycan be easily disposed of because they aren't
have become better understood, environmentalconsidered hazardous waste, and, being
regulations have gotten stricter. And withwater-based, they clean up easily with soap and
consumers becoming more aware of the healthwater.
issues, the demand for less toxic paints has gown.