Low VOC Paints
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Volatile organic compounds are substances that evaporate from paint allowing it to dry and are very toxic to humans. Even after the paint has dried, VOCs can continue to be released from the paint for years, thus, harming the occupants. The easiest solution is to use paints that do not contain VOCs and instead contain a non-harmful drying agent.
Low VOC paints are the ones which use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. They contain reduced levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emit smog producing pollutants into the air.
Brief Description
Today, most interior and exterior paints are found to have high levels of VOCs, which help them to dry faster. But, these VOCs emit smog-forming chemicals into the air and thus. Become the major contributor to ground-level ozone pollution. These release low-level emissions into the air for years after the application. And the major source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds, which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.
The new environmental regulations have resulted in alternative solutions – Low VOC and Zero VOC paints. Lower VOC paints preserve both indoor and outdoor air quality and reduce the incidence of eye or respiratory irritation from exposure to VOC fumes.
Types of non-VOC paints:
1. Natural Paints and Finishes – These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies or sensitivities to these paints are uncommon. These paints are the safest for one’s health and also for the environment.
2. Zero VOC paints – According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standard, any paint in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be called ‘Zero VOC’ paint. Adding a colour tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/litre, which is still quite low.
3. Low VOC paints – As described above, the level of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings, as they carry water as a carrier instead of petroleum base solvents. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOCs in paints should not exceed 200 grams/litre and in varnishes, it should not exceed 300 grams/litre. Low VOC paints tend to emit odour until dry. To avoid this, one should buy paints that contain VOCs less than 25 grams/litre.
Advantages:
Environment friendly, as there are lower levels of ozone pollution
Fewer emissions of smog-forming chemicals
Better indoor and outdoor air quality
Allergies or sensitivities to these paints is uncommon
Ideal for commercial applications, and offer excellent scrub ability
Quick Drying
Low Odour
Non-yellowing
Increased UV resistance, flexibility
References:
The Energy and Resources Institute. Sustainable Building Design Manual, Volume 2. p.p 112.
