Have you noticed the smell in a freshly painted room? That’s because of VOCs, volatile organic compounds, in the paint. Scientists are discovering that prolonged exposure to VOCs can impact our immune systems. They may lead to allergies and some illnesses.
According to the American Lung Association, “Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes. Some are harmful by themselves. Some, in fact, can cause cancer.” They are considered volatile because they can mix with the ambient air to create other compounds, including ozone.
When it comes to paint, VOCs come from the solvents in the paint. The website, Non-Toxic for Health, explains that solvents are used in paints to dissolve and blend the other elements. Then, as paint dries, the solvent evaporates (and can smell pretty bad!). “Offgassing” is the evaporation process. Many products around your home commonly offgas. There’s a long list at the ALA website.The EPA has a long list also as well as details about the possible health effects.
How to Minimize the Effects of VOCs
If you’ve looked into these compounds, you already know that you have them lurking around your home. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to minimize their effects, especially when planning interior painting:
- You should increase ventilation. Open windows and fans will help dissipate the VOCs and speed drying time.
- Close paint containers when they are not in use. Also, confine painting utensils like brushes and rollers in closed containers as well.
- Read labels so you know what to expect.
- Dispose of old, stored paints according to the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping in mind your local restrictions and rules.
- Whenever possible, use low-VOC or no-VOC paint.
Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Alternatives
In order to be more environmentally friendly, paint manufacturers have developed low-VOC and no-VOC alternatives in their product lines. If you have small children or elderly family members, it might be wise to consider these. After all, a new coat of interior paint can take six months to finish offgassing.
The coatings industry has officially designated paints with less than 50 grams of VOCs per liter as “low-VOC” paint. Paints with less than 5 grams of VOCs are officially designated as “zero-VOC.” At Those Painting Guys, we regularly recommend these products from the Sherwin-Williams, J.C. Licht, and Benjamin Moore product lines.
The next time you’re considering painting the interior of your home, call Those Painting Guys, and we’ll give you our best advice about getting a professional, environmentally-friendly outcome.