According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air that we breathe indoors is up to three times more polluted than the air outside.  This impure air is regarded as one of the top hazards to our health.  And, the paints in our homes are among the foremost sources of the unhealthy air in our homes.  Fortunately, choosing green paints can be a good start toward improving our air quality.

Most paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  VOCs can cause smog, ozone depletion, and other issues with air quality.  They can also cause health problems.  VOC’s are released into the air as paint is applied and as it dries; however, many people are unaware that VOC’s can continue to be emitted for years after the paint has been applied.  It is for this reason that the EPA has begun to regulate paint formulations.  Now, there are many types of green paint available that are low in VOCs.

About VOCs

Most manufacturers make some form of low-VOC paint.  Some green paints may state that they have zero VOCs; however, regulations state that measurements less than 5 grams per liter (g/l) can be labeled as ‘zero’ VOC paint.  Keep in mind that a low VOC level does not mean that the paint is non-toxic.  Many green paints still contain toxic ingredients such as ammonia, formaldehyde, bactericides, fungicides, crystalline silica, and other toxic preservatives.  Check the label to be certain about what each brand of paint contains.

It is also important to note that some low-VOC paints may require more than one coat of paint for good coverage.  So, the actual amount of VOCs being emitted into the room in which the paint is used will need to be multiplied by the number of coats of paint used.  For instance, if three coats of paint are necessary, the paint is releasing three times the amount of VOCs—and, perhaps, may not end up being low in VOCs after all.

EPA regulations for low VOC levels have recently changed.  This is also useful to know, since it means that some paints that are labeled as being low-VOC may have been labeled under the previous standards and may not currently be considered low in VOCs.

Types of Green Paint

There are three kinds of green paint that you can purchase to use in your home.  Each has its own advantages and disadvantages; therefore, there is no one ‘best’ type of green paint you should choose.  Here are the three types of green paint:

Latex Paints: These green paints are the ones that are manufactured by most major paint companies.  Latex paints are quite durable and easy to clean; however, they do contain other chemicals like solvents and have a low odor.

Natural Clay Paints: Clay paints contain 99% natural ingredients and are ideal for people with allergies.  This type of green paint does not come in as many colors as latex paint, though.

Natural Milk Paints: These paints are 100% natural and are highly durable.  They come in a powder form which the user must mix with water.

Photo Credits: wharman

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Green Tips, Handy Man, House Paint

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ammonia, coat of paint, coats, crystalline silica, dries, environmental protection agency, epa regulations, foremost sources, formaldehyde, fungicides, health problems, low voc paints, ozone depletion, paint formulations, smog, toxic ingredients, voc levels, voc s, volatile organic compounds, zero voc