Even with few Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), paint is synthetic and may contain other harmful solvents and additives.
Green Living reports on natural and eco paints.
Synthetic Paints: Low-VOC and Zero-VOC
Latex paints are the most common house paints on the market. The glue that holds the paint together is acrylic, a synthetic polymer. Most major brands have begun to produce low- or zero-VOC lines, though zero-VOC is actually a misnomer, since acrylic paints still contain trace amounts. And the tinting process usually adds some VOCs back — the darker the colour, the more VOCs. The most eco-friendly acrylics contain no extra solvents or additives and 5 g/L or less of VOCs.
Pros: Generally low odour; quick to dry; good coverage; hard-wearing; can be applied to most surfaces; large choice of colours.
Cons: Even with few VOCs, paint is synthetic and may contain other harmful solvents and additives; attracts dust; paint must not be washed down the drain.
Some brands:
Zero-VOC: AFM Safecoat, YOLO Colourhouse.
Low-VOC: Farrow & Ball Water-Based Eggshell, Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Duration Home, CIL Dulux Natural Whites, C2 LoVo
Thanks, Linda!
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