When it comes to a painting project, the choices you make can impact not only the aesthetics but also the indoor air quality. Enter low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) paint, a revolutionary solution that offers a healthier and more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional paints. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of low VOC paints, understanding their meaning, the dangers of VOCs, the benefits of opting for low and very low VOC paint, and steps you can take to protect your family.
Why Are VOCs an Issue?
Traditional paints release VOCs into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution. This pollution can lead to a range of health concerns, including respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health risks. By selecting low VOC paints, you’re actively taking a step towards reducing these health risks and creating a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.
How Does It Occur?
VOCs are commonly found in traditional paints and coatings. When these products are applied, the VOCs within them are released into the air, resulting in the distinctive “paint smell” that many are familiar with. This process, known as off-gassing, can occur over time and contribute to indoor air pollution. Low VOC paints are formulated with fewer of these harmful chemicals, significantly reducing the emissions that can negatively affect indoor air quality and your health.
What Does Low and Very Low VOC Paint Mean?
VOC paint means that the paint includes harmful chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds. Low and very low VOC paints are designed with reduced levels of these volatile organic compounds, making them a safer choice for your living spaces. By opting for low VOC paints, you’re choosing a paint option that minimises these harmful emissions, enhancing both your health and the quality of the air you breathe. Due to the lack of these chemicals, low or very low VOC paint is also low odour making the painting experience much more pleasant for you and everyone else in the house.
Prevention Tips
The shift towards low VOC paints is a simple yet impactful step in reducing indoor air pollution. When embarking on a painting project, consider the following tips:
- Opt for paints labeled “low or very low VOC” to ensure a healthier choice.
- Ensure proper ventilation during and after painting to help dissipate any emissions and facilitate VOC dispersion. This can be achieved by opening windows and using fans to ensure that fresh air circulates through the room.
- Choose water-based paints, as they typically have lower VOC levels compared to oil-based counterparts.
Recommended Products
If you’re looking for a safer paint option, look no further than Rockcote. Our Rockcote EcoStyle Paints are non-toxic and contain very low Volatile Organic Compounds making them more environmentally friendly and a much safer choice for safeguarding you and your family’s health. Our EcoStyle paints are free from harmful chemicals including Glycol ethers, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Ammonia, and Lithopene.
Our EcoStyle paint range is also proud to be GECA certified, meaning they are recognised for their environmental credentials. The GECA ecolabel is an independent ‘tick’ [DS1] that shows your product is better for the environment, has a lower impact on human health and has been ethically made.
Before You Get Started
Before embarking on your painting project, take the time to research and select the right low VOC paint for your needs. Plan your ventilation strategy to ensure that you maintain fresh air circulation throughout the painting process and during the paint’s drying period.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Paint Has Low VOCs?
Paint brands that prioritise environmental health and indoor air quality offer products labeled as “low VOC” or “VOC-free”. These paints are formulated with reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly choice for your painting projects. Rockcote EcoStyle Paints are one example of very low VOC paint.
Is Low and Very Low VOC Paint Necessary?
While it might not be mandatory, choosing low VOC paint is highly advisable. Traditional paints with high VOC levels can release harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health risks. Opting for low VOC paint reduces these emissions, leading to better indoor air quality and a safer environment for everyone in your household.
Is Low VOC Paint Safe to Breathe?
Low and very low VOC paints are formulated to release significantly fewer volatile organic compounds compared to traditional paints. This reduction in VOC emissions contributes to better indoor air quality and minimises exposure to harmful chemicals. However, it’s important to note that while low VOC paint is safer, proper ventilation during and after painting is recommended to further dissipate any residual emissions and ensure a healthy indoor environment. If you have respiratory sensitivities or concerns, wearing a mask and ensuring good ventilation can provide an extra layer of protection during the painting process.
What is considered low and very low VOC in paint?
The term “low VOC” can vary by region, but a general guideline is that paint VOC levels below 50 grams per litre and “very low VOC” with less than 5 grams per litre is considered to be a safe VOC level in paint. However, the lower the better, so ensure you do proper research when choosing your paint, low and very low VOC paint is the healthiest and most environmentally friendly option.
Protect Your Health with Low VOC Paint
In conclusion, low and very low VOC paints offer a valuable solution for those seeking to enhance indoor air quality and promote a healthier environment. By understanding the significance of VOCs, opting for low VOC paints, and taking proactive steps to ensure proper ventilation, you’re contributing to a safer, cleaner indoor environment.
Whether you’re tackling a small or big project, making the switch to low or very low VOC paints is a small change that has a significant positive impact.
