Greenerbuilding.org



Before you buy...

Low & No VOC Paints and Finishes

Related Product Advice

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the fumes that you smell while you paint, or when you walk into a recently painted room. The new paint smell can last for days or even weeks. VOCs become breathable vapors at room temp, and when exposed to the room’s air. When they are breathable they enter your lungs and bloodstream and are a known health hazard.

The VOCs in paint generally come from things added to the paints like color or spreadability and drying agents. You may find that the color that you want is only available in a higher VOC if it is a deep color. VOCs contribute to poor indoor air quality as well as smog and ozone alerts. Concerns about VOCs have reduced the prevalence of oil based paints and increased the availability of latex paints. However, even latex paints can be high in VOCs, so always check the can or the manufacturer’s literature. Looking for paints with no more than 250 grams of VOC per liter is a good place to start. If you absolutely must use an oil-based paint, select one with less than 380 grams per liter.

Back to Previous Page

Top-Rated Products

Safecoat Flat Zero VOC

Safecoat Flat Zero VOC

Premium quality, fast curing paint designed for interior surfaces where a flat finish and superior f
Rating
3.5
Safecoat Eggshell Enamel

Safecoat Eggshell Enamel

Premium quality, fast curing enamel paint designed for interior surfaces where a durable eggshell fi
Rating
3
American Clay Earth Plaster

American Clay Earth Plaster

Our interior finish is a 100% natural earth plaster, providing an environment that is wholesome for
Rating
3


Before you buy... Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) come in a variety of styles, each dictated by the research and preference of the manufacturer. ICFs may act as a substitute for traditional wood framed walls as well as for concrete foundations.

Read More...

Want Your Product Listed?

If you are the manufacturer of a product and are interested in having that product listed for free on Greenerbuilding.org or know of a green building program or information source we should know about, or simply want to talk about green building, contact us.


Back to Top ^