Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air by a variety of household products, including furniture, adhesives, cleaning agents, building materials and paints. Exposure to VOCs can cause a variety of short term health effects, such as eye and throat irritation, nausea, skin reactions, fatigue and dizziness. VOC emissions have been linked to sick building syndrome, cancer in animals and are suspected or known causative agents of cancers in humans.
Is There a Safe Level of VOCs?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, concentrations of VOCs can be up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Compounds released following an interior paint job can seep into ther air over a large surface area; however, recommending a safe level of VOC content in paints is difficult due to so many factors that contribute to indoor air quality, including home ventilation and cumulative sources of VOCs from other products.
Many home decorators are not waiting to find out the long term effects of repeated exposure to paint products and coatings. Concerns over the impact of organic chemicals on health and even climate change have spurred demand for paints with low or no VOCs.
Low VOC Paint Brands Sold in Canada
Today, consumers can choose from a variety of paint products with low or no VOCs.
Here are five name brands currently advertised in Canada:
- Olympic Premium Zero VOC
- Horizon by Cloverdale Paints
- Lifemaster® by Glidden Professional
- Natura™ by Benjamin Moore
- RONA COLLECTION paints
In Canada, Eco Logo is an internationally-recognized organization that awards its Environmental Choice seal to low-VOC paint brands along with other products and services that meet its standards. Low VOC paint brands sold by manufacturers Denalt, Bétonel and Sico have achieved the Ecologo seal.
Low VOC Paints Sold in the United States
In the United States, the Green Seal organization and the Greenguard Environmental Institute provide certification for products meeting their individual specifications.
These brands are among those that offer paints certified by Greenguard:
- Akzo Nobel / Dulux Lifemaster Zero VOC
- Akzo Nobel / The Freshaire Choice
- Aura by Benjamin Moore
- Mohawk Finishing Products
- Harmony by Sherwin-Williams
Differences Between Low VOC and Standard Paint
As more brands reduce the amount of VOCs in their products, they must develop other ways to achieve the performance of standard paint formulas.
In its March 2009 issue, Consumer Reports published results of tests revealing that not all low VOC paints are created equally. Although full results can only be accessed with an online subscription, the magazine notes two brands as having performed well in a one-coat coverage test - Olympic Premium and Benjamin Moore Aura. It also points out that VOC levels are generally measured in the base paint before pigment is added. The addition of color usually leads to a higher VOC content.
While the long term effects of exposure to VOCs in standard household paints are not entirely understood, many home decorators and builders have felt the effects of short term exposure to emissions from these chemical compounds. A variety of paint brands now advertise products with low or no VOCs. Visit the EPA website to learn more about VOCs and their potential health effects.
Always recycle unused paint. Consumers can locate recycling drop off locations by typing “paint recycling” plus their location in the Google search bar.
Anne Williams - Anne is a freelance writer and communications consultant based in Vancouver, Canada.
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