Painting the house has always been a messy, time-consuming job, but thanks to the new VOC-free paints, it doesn’t have to be a smelly job too. VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are the compounds in traditional latex and oil-based house paints that evaporate into the air and cause the odour that we’re all familiar with.

VOCs are what gives paint the ability to hold small particles of pigment in suspension, adhere to surfaces and its other inherent qualities. The problem with VOCs is that they evaporate into the air, giving off greenhouse gases including notably methane, benzene and formaldehyde. Greenhouse gases of course are the leading causes of global warming.

Environmental Risks

VOCs are harmful to the environment in other ways too. Other VOC-containing compounds such as solvents, paint strippers and thinners, when stored around the house, can lead to sick building syndrome, leading to upper-respiratory issues and other health concerns. When not properly disposed of, VOC-containing paints and solvents can find their way into the soil and groundwater.

VOC-free Alternatives

Several manufacturers are now offering low VOC and VOC-free paints that not only are environmentally-friendly, but allow you to spruce up the ‘ole place without stinking up the joint.

• Duron Paints Genesis Odor-Free paint
• Yolo Colorhouse – www.yolocolorhouse.com
• Olympic Premium
• Benjamin Moore & Co. Pristine® and Eco-Spec®
• Benjamin Moore’s Aura
• Sherwin-Williams HealthSpec®
• ICI Dulux
• Kelly Moore

So now you have one less excuse when the wife asks when you’re going to get around to repainting the family room; but don’t worry – if you don’t tell her, I won’t either.

This guest article was written by Rob Bean from The Green Chameleon.