by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Hey there, weekend warrior. If you’ve got some painting projects lined up, you probably want the job done as quickly and affordably as possible. But have you thought about the impact those paint fumes can have on your indoor air quality and health? Conventional paints are full of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas nasty chemicals for days after application.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between saving time/money and breathing easy. There are low-VOC and non-toxic paint options that go on just as easily but without the toxic side effects. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best eco-friendly paint brands and types so you can get started on that DIY with peace of mind. Your walls and lungs will thank you.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
When it comes to indoor air quality, the paints you choose matter. Many standard paints
contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air in your home. Over time, exposure to these chemicals can pose health risks. The good news is, low-VOC and non-toxic paint options abound.
The Dangers of VOCs
VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that vaporize at room temperature. In high concentrations, they can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Some VOCs are known carcinogens. Conventional paints are a major source of indoor VOCs.
Benefits of Low-VOC and Non-Toxic Paint
Switching to low-VOC or non-toxic paint improves your indoor air quality and health. These eco-friendly paints emit little to no VOCs or toxic fumes. They are safer for children, pets, and anyone with respiratory issues or chemical sensitivities. Low-VOC and non-toxic paints now come in a range of sheens and colors to suit any decor.
What to Look For
Check the labels and look for key terms like "low-VOC," "no-VOC," "non-toxic," "eco-friendly," or "green." The lower the VOC level, the better. Some top low-VOC and non-toxic paint brands are Sherwin Williams Harmony, Benjamin Moore Natura, and Behr Premium Plus Ultra. Milk paint and chalk paint are popular non-toxic options. For the best results, consider hiring an eco-friendly painting contractor to properly prepare and apply these specialized paints.
By choosing low-VOC and non-toxic paints for your home, you create an environment that is healthy, sustainable and beautiful. Your lungs and loved ones will thank you.
How Traditional Paint Impacts Air Quality
Have you ever walked into a room freshly painted with glossy enamel or latex wall paint and noticed that "new paint" smell? That's the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from the paint. Traditional paints are filled with chemicals that release toxic fumes, polluting the air in your home and negatively impacting indoor air quality.
VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that easily become vapors or gasses. In paint, they're used as solvents and to add qualities like durability or sheen. But once the paint is applied and drying, the VOCs are emitted into the air, releasing toxic fumes that you end up breathing in. These fumes have been linked to headaches, dizziness, and long-term effects like liver and kidney damage.
The sad truth is that indoor air pollution from sources like paint is often worse than outdoor air pollution. The good news is that low-VOC and non-toxic paint options can help. These eco-friendly paints are formulated with natural ingredients and little or no VOCs, so they don’t off-gas harmful fumes. Options like milk paint, clay paints, and mineral silicate paints are completely VOC-free. Or choose low-VOC latex or acrylic paints with 50 grams per liter or less.
By choosing paints with little or no VOCs and toxic chemicals, you can have freshly painted rooms without sacrificing your health or indoor air quality. Your home will smell as fresh and clean as the day you moved in, and you'll be creating an environment that's better for you, your family, and the planet. Now isn't that an uplifting thought?
What Are VOCs and Why Do They Matter?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily become vapors or gasses at room temperature. Many paints, stains, and varnishes contain VOCs that are released as the product dries and for some time after. Exposure to high concentrations of VOCs may cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Some VOCs are suspected carcinogens.
Why VOCs Matter
VOCs matter because they can negatively impact indoor air quality and health. After painting, VOC levels are highest, so ventilation and limiting time in the space is important. However, VOCs can continue to be released for weeks or months after the paint job is done. For the health of you, your family, and the planet, choosing paints with low or no VOCs is the best option.
Low-VOC and No-VOC Options
Many major paint brands now offer lines of low-VOC and no-VOC paints, stains, and sealers. “Low-VOC” means the product contains less than 50 grams of VOCs per liter. “No-VOC” or “zero-VOC” means it has 5 grams or less per liter. These options provide the color and protection you want without the fumes. Popular low- and no-VOC options include:
•Latex or acrylic paint: Water-based, durable, and comes in a range of sheens. Best for walls and ceilings.
•Milk paint: Natural, mineral-based paint made from limestone, clay, and milk protein. Zero-VOC and biodegradable. For walls.
•Chalk paint: Water-based paint that adheres to most surfaces without priming. Often zero- or low-VOC. For walls, furniture, and home decor.
•Linseed or tung oil: Natural, VOC-free oils that protect and seal wood. For trim, floors, and furniture.
•Mineral sealers: Solvent-free sealers made from natural waxes and oils. For natural stone, concrete, and wood. VOC-free and food-grade safe.
•Eco stains: Water-based stains with low VOCs or made from plants and minerals. For wood surfaces.
So when choosing paints or stains for your home, check the product specs and consider low-VOC or no-VOC options. Your health and the environment will thank you!
Identifying Low-Voc and Non-Toxic Paint Options
When choosing paint for your home, considering the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxicity is important for your health and indoor air quality. Many conventional paints release hazardous chemicals that can cause headaches, dizziness, and other issues. The good news is there are many low-VOC and non-toxic options available.
Low-VOC Paints
Low-VOC paints have fewer volatile organic compounds that release toxic fumes. Brands like Sherwin Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore offer low-VOC and zero-VOC paint lines with little to no odor. These are great for people with chemical sensitivities or who want to avoid harsh fumes in their home.
Natural Paints
For the most natural option, choose paint made from organic, natural ingredients. Milk paint, clay paint, and chalk paint are popular choices.
Zero-VOC Paints
Zero-VOC paints have no volatile organic compounds added and are non-toxic. Popular brands include Ecos, AFM Safecoat, and YOLO Colorhouse. These eco-friendly paints are ideal for homes with children, pets or anyone concerned about indoor air quality.
DIY Natural Paint Recipes
If you want to avoid commercial paints altogether, you can make your own natural paint at home. Recipes using ingredients like latex or chalk paint, clay, milk protein, botanical oils and natural pigments are easy to make and provide a non-toxic finish. Homemade paint may require a primer and protective topcoat for durability.
When shopping for paint, check the product specifications and labels for phrases like “low-VOC,” “zero-VOC,” “natural,” “eco-friendly” and “non-toxic.” The lower the VOCs, measured in grams per liter (g/L), the better. Many major brands now offer dedicated eco-friendly and natural paint lines to meet the growing demand for healthy home products. With some research, you can find paint that will make your walls look great without polluting the air or endangering your family’s health.
Top Low-Voc Paint Brands to Consider
When it comes to paint, you have a lot of options to choose from. However, many conventional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to indoor air quality and human health. The following low-VOC and non-toxic paint brands are excellent eco-friendly alternatives.
Sherwin Williams Harmony
Sherwin Williams’ Harmony interior paint line is rated zero-VOC, meaning it emits virtually no harmful fumes. It comes in several sheens like eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss and over 2,000 colors. Harmony paint is a bit pricey but high quality and durable.
Benjamin Moore Natura
Benjamin Moore’s Natura is another zero-VOC paint line made of renewable ingredients. It is Greenguard certified, meaning it meets strict standards for low emissions of pollutants like formaldehyde and VOCs. Natura comes in more than 3,300 colors in eggshell, pearl, and satin sheens.
ECOS Paints
ECOS Paints specializes in zero- and low-VOC paints made from natural and recycled materials. Their interior paints are rated zero- to 50-VOC, and they use plant and mineral based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. ECOS has flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss options in over 50 colors. They are a bit pricey but high quality.
PPG Pure Performance
PPG’s Pure Performance is a zero-VOC paint line offering superior coverage and durability. It is rated asthma and allergy friendly, in over 1,000 colors and comes in flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss sheens. Pure Performance is more affordable than some eco-friendly paints but still high quality.
Behr Premium Plus Ultra
Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra is a low-VOC paint, rated 50-VOC or less, that provides great coverage and durability. It comes in flat, eggshell, satin, and glossy sheens with over 3,000 colors to choose from. Premium Plus Ultra is very affordable, especially if you get it at Home Depot. While not zero-VOC, it still has minimal emissions and is a good budget-friendly option.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality While Painting
While painting and improving your indoor air quality may seem at odds, there are several ways you can have the best of both worlds.
Ventilation
Run an exhaust fan or open windows to ventilate the space as much as possible while painting and for several days after. This helps remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fumes that off-gas from paint. For the best results, use fans to pull air out of the room, not just circulate it.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove paint particles, fumes and VOCs from the air. Run an air purifier on high in the room during and after painting. Look for a purifier that is rated for at least 300 to 500 square feet for the space you’re painting.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils like lavender, lemon and peppermint have natural aroma compounds that can help neutralize paint fumes and VOCs. Place a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls or tissues in the room. You can also add 10-15 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and mist in the room.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is great at absorbing odors and pollutants in the air. Place open containers of baking soda in the room during and after painting. Replace after a few days. For tougher odors, you can also make a baking soda air freshener spray. Mix 3 parts water and 1 part baking soda into a spray bottle and mist in the room.
Houseplants
Having plants in the space you’re painting helps naturally filter the air. Some of the best options for removing VOCs and pollutants include spider plants, peace lilies, Chinese evergreen and English ivy. The more plants the better, so fill your room with as much greenery as possible.
With the right techniques and tools on hand, you can paint your space and have fresh, clean indoor air too. Try combining multiple methods for the best results in clearing the air of paint pollutants and improving your indoor environment.
Painting Tips to Minimize Exposure to VOCs
When painting indoors, take some extra steps to minimize your exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals.
Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints
Look for paints labeled as “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC.” These have little to no VOCs, so they release fewer fumes. Popular low-VOC paint brands include Benjamin Moore Natura, Sherwin Williams Harmony, and Behr Premium Plus Ultra. Zero-VOC paints include brands like Ecos Paints and AFM Safecoat.
Ventilate and use fans
Run an exhaust fan, like in your bathroom or kitchen, to pull air out while painting and for at least two days after. Open windows to bring in fresh air from outside. Place fans in the room to keep air circulating. The more you can ventilate, the faster VOCs will clear out.
Wear a respirator mask
A proper respirator mask, like an N95 rated mask, can filter out paint fumes and other particulates. Disposable paper masks do not provide enough protection. Be sure to follow instructions for fitting the respirator mask snugly against your face.
Seal the room
If possible, seal off the room you’re painting from the rest of the house. Close doors, air vents, and seal any gaps or cracks leading into other rooms. This contains fumes in the space you’re painting. Place painter’s tape around doors, windows, trim, and baseboards for the cleanest seal.
Clean up properly
Follow the directions on your paint product for proper cleanup and disposal. Never pour leftover paint down drains, in gutters, or on the ground. Most areas have hazardous waste collection centers that accept leftover paint for disposal. Clean all brushes and rollers thoroughly with the recommended solvent to avoid the buildup of dried paint.
Taking some basic precautions when painting can go a long way toward improving your indoor air quality and health. Choosing low-VOC paints, ventilating well, wearing proper protection, sealing the room, and cleaning up responsibly will minimize your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Your lungs and the environment will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Voc Paints
Many people have questions about low-VOC and non-toxic paints before starting a project. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
Are low-VOC paints more expensive?
Low-VOC paints used to cost more than regular paints, but the price difference has decreased significantly as demand has risen and more brands have entered the market. While you can still expect to pay a small premium, many low-VOC paints are now similarly priced to conventional options. The health and environmental benefits are well worth the investment.
Do low-VOC paints work as well as regular paint?
Yes, low-VOC paints can perform just as well as conventional paints. They provide great coverage, durability and washability. The technology has improved a lot, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for lower VOCs and toxicity. Professional painters and DIYers have been very happy with the results.
What are some recommended low-VOC paint brands?
Some of the top low-VOC paint brands are Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Behr, Valspar, and Clark + Kensington. These brands offer high-quality, low-VOC options for interior and exterior use in a variety of sheens. They are widely available at most major hardware stores.
Do low-VOC paints reduce indoor air pollution?
Yes, low-VOC paints significantly improve your indoor air quality by limiting the amount of harmful chemicals released into the air. VOCs from conventional paints can accumulate and linger for a long time after application. Low-VOC paints release very little to no VOCs, so they don’t negatively impact the air you breathe in your home.
Are low-VOC paints safe for people with chemical sensitivities?
Low-VOC and non-toxic paints are a great choice if you have chemical sensitivities or concerns. They limit exposure to harsh solvents, VOC's and toxic compounds found in regular paint. However, some individuals may still react to certain ingredients. For maximum sensitivity, look for paints with the lowest possible VOC's, natural or plant-based options, and brands clearly marked for chemically sensitive people. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Painting for Better Air Quality: Key Takeaways
The key to improving your indoor air quality when painting is
choosing low-VOC and non-toxic options. Here are some main takeaways:
Use low-VOC or no-VOC paint
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that release harmful gasses into the air. Look for paint labeled as “low-VOC” or “no-VOC” to avoid unhealthy fumes. These eco-friendly paints are just as durable and come in a variety of sheens. Popular brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr all offer quality low-VOC options.
Go for natural paint bases
Water-based latex or acrylic paints have fewer VOCs than oil-based paints. Milk paint and chalk paint are also eco-friendly choices made from natural ingredients with little to no VOCs. They provide great coverage and unique, matte finishes.
Avoid dangerous chemicals
Watch out for paints containing toxic compounds such as formaldehyde, ammonia or aromatic hydrocarbons which can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. Opt for paints with natural pigments and binders free of parabens, phthalates, and toxic solvents. Natural clay or mineral paints with ingredients like lime, clay and natural oils are non-toxic alternatives.
Ventilate and protect yourself
Even with low-VOC paint, proper ventilation is important. Open windows to bring in fresh air and turn on exhaust fans. Wearing a mask, goggles and protective gloves will shield you from any chemical exposure.
Consider eco-friendly brushes and rollers
For the greenest approach, use high-quality natural bristle brushes, microfiber rollers and trays, and reusable paint pails. Wash brushes and rollers thoroughly after use to prolong their lifespan.
By following these tips when choosing paint and painting supplies, you’ll breathe easier knowing you’ve created a healthier indoor environment. Your home will be fresher and your air quality improved thanks to your eco-friendly and non-toxic paint job.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some tips for choosing paints that won't pollute the air in your home. As you embark on your painting project, keep in mind the impacts that VOCs and toxic chemicals can have on indoor air quality and your health. Opt for low-VOC and non-toxic paints whenever possible. Though they may cost a bit more upfront, your lungs and the environment will thank you. Make your paint choice an investment in clean, breathable air for your home. Once your perfect color is on the walls, you'll be enjoying it for years to come - without the worry of sneaky pollutants seeping into the air. Fresh paint and fresh, healthy air - what could be better? Happy painting and breathing easy!