If you’re like many people, you may enjoy a fresh coat of paint, but haven’t thought much about what’s behind that aroma. The truth is that substances known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs are largely responsible for the smell that’s left behind after painting is done. VOCs are actually smog-producing chemicals that can greatly affect your indoor air quality, and cause you to experience a number of other side effects including:
The EPA estimates that the air inside your home is three to five times more toxic than outdoor air is. That’s due to the number of emissions that come from finishes such as paint. Fortunately, you can reduce these emissions by using low to no voc paint.
EPA regulations allow interior house paint, to contain 250g/L (grams per liter) of volatile organic compounds for latex and flat paints, and 380g/L for oil-based paints. Low VOC paint may contain between 50g/L to 100g/L and paint that is labeled VOC-free may nonetheless contain trace amounts-fewer than 5g/L is considered VOC-free. Tinting paint used to increase the VOC content of the paint, but recently tints for low and no VOC paint have been changed and are now water based therefore do not add additional VOC.
There are a number of benefits to using low or no VOC paints. The biggest benefit to using them is the fact that they reduce pollutants in our atmosphere, while also helping to protect groundwater sources as well. They are easy to clean up with only soap and water, spread easily, quality is equal to paint and will look nice for years to come. These paints are comparatively priced with traditional products as well.
Here at Liberty Painting, we like to use low to no VOC paint so that your family can breath easy after an interior painting is done. For an estimate on commercial or residential painting, contact us today.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Respiratory problems
The EPA estimates that the air inside your home is three to five times more toxic than outdoor air is. That’s due to the number of emissions that come from finishes such as paint. Fortunately, you can reduce these emissions by using low to no voc paint.
EPA regulations allow interior house paint, to contain 250g/L (grams per liter) of volatile organic compounds for latex and flat paints, and 380g/L for oil-based paints. Low VOC paint may contain between 50g/L to 100g/L and paint that is labeled VOC-free may nonetheless contain trace amounts-fewer than 5g/L is considered VOC-free. Tinting paint used to increase the VOC content of the paint, but recently tints for low and no VOC paint have been changed and are now water based therefore do not add additional VOC.
There are a number of benefits to using low or no VOC paints. The biggest benefit to using them is the fact that they reduce pollutants in our atmosphere, while also helping to protect groundwater sources as well. They are easy to clean up with only soap and water, spread easily, quality is equal to paint and will look nice for years to come. These paints are comparatively priced with traditional products as well.
Here at Liberty Painting, we like to use low to no VOC paint so that your family can breath easy after an interior painting is done. For an estimate on commercial or residential painting, contact us today.
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