What are V.O.C.s in paint and why don we want them?
Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes, releasing low-level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. They poison groundwater and contain ozone-depleting contaminants. The source of these toxins is a variety of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. These are the fumes that you smell while you paint, and usually for several days after. A VOC is an organic chemical that becomes a breathable gas at room temperature. Some examples of these are ethylene glycol, vinyl chloride and mercury. VOCs in paint usually come from the additives to the paint such as fungicides, biocides, color, and spreadability agents. These high levels of VOC’s in paints can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and health problems in the very old, very young, and those with chronic
