What Does Green or Low/Zero VOC Paint Really Mean?
Over the past 15 years people have become more concerned about their paints being “green” or low or zero VOC paint. In the beginning there were not a lot of choices, but today choices are abundant. Building codes have changed to require these products be used, in order to continue to reduce our carbon foot print. What does it really mean to have a “green” or eco-friendly paint? It all has to do with the VOCs (volatile organic compounds). There has been a lot of confusion around this question.
To be a low VOC paint, the VOC level must be 50 g/l or less for most products. While a lot of the paints were qualifying at this level, as soon as the colorant was added the paint exceeded these levels. Today paint manufacturers have switched over to zero VOC colorants. Now when a paint label says low or zero VOC paint, it truly is.
Why do people care about this? The chemicals, as the paints dry, evaporate into the air. This can lead to breathing problems for those with asthma, cause dizziness and skin irritation for just about anyone. In extreme cases they can even cause cancer. These types of issues come up more on interior paints, as the fumes stay trapped in the house. On the exterior paints the VOCs can lead to air pollution, and contribute to poor air quality. VOCs can continue to off-gas for years, so it is even more critical to use the low VOC products.
Making these lower VOC products has not come without its problems. As paint companies had to come up with new formulations to replace the toxic ingredients, problems arose. Such things as longer dry time, application problems, flow, colors matching, quality, and more. Painters were so frustrated with these products, they didn’t want to use them. Thankfully as time has gone on, the paint industry has made great strides in fixing the issues and they are truly quality products. Today low and zero VOC paints are easy to use, application is easier, quality is top notch, they come in all colors, and best of all they are healthier products for us all.
