Low VOC Paints and Why We Use Them
As we continue our goal of highlighting the key components of our green home construction in Oklahoma, we will delve into something that most have probably heard of, but are unsure of what it actually means – the low VOC paint. Essentially, the next couple of paragraphs are going to tell you want VOCs in paint are and why you want less of them.
VOCs (or Volatile Organic Compounds), specifically regarding paints, are solvents that rather than staying in liquid or solid form, vaporize and release into the air as the paint dries. VOCs were originally used in paint as an effective way to keep the pigment and a binder (to make the paint) stick in a liquid solution for just long enough to apply the paint before it evaporates.
They are, of course, most potent as the paint is being applied, but the chemicals continue to linger for months after drying. While long-term effects aren’t definitively known, they have been reported to cause unpleasant acute symptoms such as eye irritation, respiratory problems, dizziness, and headaches. In addition, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has noted some VOCs as suspected carcinogens.
This is one good reason that the Federal Government caps the VOC paint content at 250 grams per liter for flat finishes and 380 grams per liter for other finishes such as semi-gloss, etc. Fortunately, several big paint manufacturers have voluntarily capped their VOC levels at a much more conservative 50 grams per liter, and others have opted for zero VOCs.*
Not only is the durability and physical quality of our green home construction a top priority, but we want to ensure the safety, including indoor air quality, is the best it can be for our customers. For questions on low VOC paints we use or any of our other standard green home features, we invite you to contact us at your convenience.
* It is important to note that if you purchase a zero/low VOC base paint and have a color mixed in, you may be increasing the VOC level with that color.