Welcome back! I’m going to get straight to it, because I’m warning you, this is long. Let’s talk paint. Paint makes a room pretty. Paint makes a room bright and lively. Paint makes a room sexy and sultry. Paint can also make a room toxic. Ew. Yes, we are intentionally introducing toxins into our most sacred spaces. Our homes. Hey, I’m not here to judge-I’ve done it too. Maybe you are all up to speed on no- or low-VOC paints. Maybe you are asking VO-what? Maybe you have used no or low VOC paints because you know it’s the right thing to do, but you’re not quite sure why. Let’s get to it then.
WTH is VOC?
Volatile Organic Compound. “Organic,” that can’t be bad…wait…“volatile”? Yup. You don’t even really need to know what it is to know it sounds bad. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines VOC as
“organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure.”
Okaaaayyy…Well, the American Coatings Association laid it out really plain and simple for us (and included the toxic part).
“Broken down, “volatile” describes a liquid that evaporates at room temperature, and the word “organic” means it is a compound that contains carbon. Some VOCs react in the atmosphere with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight to form ozone, a precursor to smog.”
Quite simply, VOCs can be any number of chemicals found all around us. These chemicals do not need extreme conditions to turn into harmful gasses. The EPA states that the interior air in our home is three times more polluted than outdoor air. The culprit? Often times it is our interior paint.+ These VOCs can off-gas for years after application.
Now we know VOCs are bad for us. Just for the sake of conversation and clarity here’s a quick list of what VOCs can do to us, our families, and our pets:
- irritation to your airways and eyes
- trigger asthmas attacks
- headaches
- nausea
- damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system
- prolonged exposure has even been linked to cancer.
If you need to see it for yourself, I don’t blame you! Check out what the EPA says.
So, how can we keep our home and family safe when deciding to spruce up a space with some color? Fortunately for us, with the EPA guidelines and certification agencies like GREENGUARD and Green Seal, manufacturers have been forced to create products that address wellness and lowering toxicity in our homes. When it comes to paint, there are three levels of paint choices: Low-VOC, No-VOC, and Natural.
Low-VOC
There’s some good news and bad news here. The bad? Well, low-VOC paints just contain low amounts of volatile organic compounds. They will still off-gas, just less, and there is no standard of what “low” means, so it is just in comparison to traditional paints. A paint considered low should contain less than 50g/L of VOCs. The good? Low-VOC paints are actually on the decline. Why you ask? Because there are so many NO-VOC options available, meaning you can make a better choice fairly easily and without thinking too much. Low-VOC paints were more like a starting point that we have evolved past.
No-VOC
Yup, you read it NO volatile organic compounds. But, there’s always a but, this doesn’t mean that they are chemical free. Some of these paints still contain harmful additives or solvents. And “no” means less than 5g/L of VOCs. Adding color tint (who doesn’t? Oh yeah, Scott…) can add 2-5 g/L of VOC more. However, all things considered, a no-VOC paint is going to be a less toxic option. Just like food, READ the labels! Mixed paints should be under 10g/L.
As the demand for no-VOC paints have evolved, so have the options, making it fairly easy to find and choose a paint…brand, at least…color is a whole other beast! In general, you can count on less odor, quick drying, and good coverage and finish.
Natural + Non-Toxic
While you are doing your due-diligence choosing a low- or no-VOC paint, there is still more to choose from. Natural paints have been popping up in the market for a while now and may or may not be the better option for you. Some of these eco-friendly paints include:
- Recycled paint
- Milk paint
- Plant or mineral-based paint
- Natural latex
- Ceramic paint
These are made from raw materials such as water, essential oils, plant, earth and mineral dyes, clay, milk protein, bee’s wax, and natural latex.
Making Choices
Sigh. Ok, I know you get it. But where to find it? Here are some great, easy to find, no-VOC options to start with:
Sherwin-Williams Harmony
- Zero-VOC with an added anti-microbial ingredient that helps minimize the growth of mold and mildew.
Benjamin Moore Natura/Aura
- Aura is a zero-VOC, mildew resistant paint that doesn’t require a primer.
- Natura is BM’s greenest paint with an acrylic base and Zero-VOC, Zero emissions, and CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly.
Valspar Ultra/Signature
- This Lowe’s brand is No-VOC, 100% acrylic latex with a mold and mildew resistant finish, and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Behr Premium Plus
- Home Depot’s Behr brand comes in low- and no-VOC options, with Premium Plus being the no-VOC paint and primer in one.
Natural and non-toxic paints tend to be more difficult to come across and may be costlier. They may not cover and perform similarly to the mass-produced paints that you are used to, but there are some excellent options out there:
Old-Fashioned Milk Paint
- Claiming to be “the greenest paint there is, milk paint is non-toxic, all natural, and biodegradable.
Green Planet Paints
- These clay and plant based paints are truly no-VOC, even after color due to their mineral colorant system.
BioShield
- Offers paints, stains, thinners, and waxes primarily made from raw materials such as citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed oils, tree resins, tree and bee wax, and natural pigments.
NOW WHAT?!
I know, I know, I’ve still left you asking, but what IS a VOC?!” I’ve got you! Go here. Trust me…you won’t read it all. More importantly, go here to see a list of where you’ll find these nasty chemicals in your home. I think you’ll find that list much easier to understand. Since there is no magic formula to choosing what is right for your family, it is up to you to make the most educated decision. This is most definitely, just a start.
What’s up colleagues, nice article and nice urging commented here, I am
truly enjoying by these.
I’m a newbie in the blogging world and always find it difficult to have traffic but as soon as I finished reading this post, I would make sure I follow the instructions as given above. I would also love more to read more on this. Thanks
You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the web for more
info about the issue and found most individuals will go
along with your views on this website.
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
I’ve been browsing online more than 2 hours today, yet I
never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters
and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more
useful than ever before.
You made some excellent points there. I checked on the web to find out more regarding the issue and discovered most
individuals goes together with your thoughts about this page.
Check out my web-site :: AntoniaNYueh
Incredible points. Solid arguments. Keep up the
good spirit.
If you desire to increase your familiarity just keep visiting this web page and be updated with the latest information posted here.
At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming again to read additional news.
Hello, just wanted to tell you, I enjoyed this article.
It was helpful. Keep on posting!
Thank you for your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
I cannot thank you enough for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
A big thank you for your blog article.Thanks Again. Want more.
What’s up Dear, are you in fact visiting this website on a regular basis,
if so then you will without doubt obtain nice know-how.
my webpage; BlairDCole
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you present.
It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the
same old rehashed information. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and
I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging
on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It’s always exciting to
read articles from other writers and practice a
little something from their websites.
Wonderful post! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our site.
Keep up the great writing.
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.
Hello I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found
you by accident, while I was browsing on Bing
for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like
to say many thanks for a remarkable post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time
to go through it all at the moment but I
have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome jo.
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now
on each time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be an easy method you can remove
me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Thanks for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such an ideal approach?
I’ve a undertaking that I’m simply now operating on, and I’ve been at the glance
out for such info.
This information is worth everyone’s attention. When can I find out more?
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching
for Harold
Hello great blog! Does running a blog similar to this require
a great deal of work? I have no understanding of computer programming however I was hoping to start
my own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any recommendations or techniques for new blog owners
please share. I understand this is off topic nevertheless I just had to ask.
Thank you!
Stunning quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
When I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify
me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time
a comment is added I get four emails with
the exact same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service?
Many thanks!
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to
be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.
Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I want to read more things about it!
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was
once a amusement account it. Glance complex to more brought agreeable
from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?
Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is simply great
and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed
to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and
please carry on the rewarding work.
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He
was once entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not
consider simply how a lot time I had spent for this info!
Thank you!
Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker
then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Thanks, I appreciate it!
This website certainly has all of the information and
facts I needed about this subject and didn’t know
who to ask.
Hi, I want to subscribe for this website to take most recent updates,
so where can i do it please help.
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
If some one needs expert view regarding running a blog after that i advise him/her to visit this web site,
Keep up the nice job.
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
I must say you have done a excellent job with this.
Additionally, the blog loads super fast for me on Firefox.
Outstanding Blog!
Nice blog right here! Also your website a lot up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your associate link for your host?
I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I’ve learn some good stuff here. Definitely
price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort
you place to create any such great informative site.
This article will assist the internet people for creating new blog
or even a weblog from start to end.
Somebody essentially assist to make critically articles I’d state.
This is the very first time I frequented your website page and
to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual post extraordinary.
Fantastic task!
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road.
Cheers
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be
ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look
forward to new posts.
It’s very simple to find out any matter on web as compared to textbooks, as I
found this article at this web page.
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and
without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea
shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and
said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear
and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is
totally off topic but I had to tell someone!
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing
a few months of hard work due to no back up.
Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to
say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological
globe the whole thing is accessible on web?
My blog CBD for sale
YOU ARE INTERESTED IN 5G ?
5G HUB is the premier online educating and tutoring library featuring everything about 5G!
Take a tour and explore our unparalleled, extensive archives to access reliable information and products about the latest 5G technology.
SEE Featured 5G Products here: https://zeep.ly/Eb3IQ
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Best view you can finde , in this side of world!
Best Ballons around here !