by: Christina Pulido
A Personal Experience with VOCs
When I was a child, I had a terrifying experience that I could have never imagined could be caused by painting a room. One day, after our house was freshly painted, I started feeling dizzy, nauseous, and had a pounding headache. My parents rushed me to the emergency room, where the doctors diagnosed me with VOC poisoning. At that time, we didn’t realize how dangerous and toxic these chemicals could be. Experiences like this are why we need to learn about the hidden dangers of VOCs in paint and how to choose safer options for your home, especially if you have children and/or pets.
If you have an upcoming paint project, our team is very knowledgeable in options that are durable, safe, and won’t off gas for weeks or years to come. Some brands appear to be Low VOC, but what isn’t advertised is that when colorants are added you will find that the VOC’s no longer qualify as Low VOC due to the colorant not being low or no VOC depending on the brand.
What Are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are commonly found in many household products, including paint. VOCs are responsible for that distinctive “new paint” smell, but beyond the odor lies a significant health risk.
Why Are VOCs Toxic?
Exposure to VOCs can lead to a variety of health problems. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Long-term exposure can have more severe effects, including liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues, and even cancer. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to their smaller size and developing systems.
Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paint Options
Thankfully, the paint industry has responded to these health concerns by creating products with reduced VOC levels. With these options, you will be free to sleep in the room right after you finish painting the walls. Keep in mind that low-VOC and zero-VOC paint will still have a slight odor, so you might want to wait an extra 24 hours if this will impact your quality of sleep. If you are asking yourself, what’s the difference, read below:
- Low-VOC Paints: These contain significantly fewer VOCs than traditional paints. Brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams offer high-quality low-VOC paints that are safer for your home.
- Zero-VOC Paints: These paints have ZERO detectable VOCs, making them the safest choice for homes with children and pets. Some recommended zero-VOC paints include Benjamin Moore’s Regal or Natura line, Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony line, and Behr Premium Plus.
Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paint Options
Thankfully, the paint industry has responded to these health concerns by creating products with reduced VOC levels. With these options, you will be free to sleep in the room right after you finish painting the walls. Keep in mind that low-VOC and zero-VOC paint will still have a slight odor, so you might want to wait an extra 24 hours if this will impact your quality of sleep. If you are asking yourself, what’s the difference, read below:
- Low-VOC Paints: These contain significantly fewer VOCs than traditional paints. Brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams offer high-quality low-VOC paints that are safer for your home.
- Zero-VOC Paints: These paints have ZERO detectable VOCs, making them the safest choice for homes with children and pets. Some recommended zero-VOC paints include Benjamin Moore’s Regal or Natura line, Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony line, and Behr Premium Plus.
Recommended Paints for Homes with Kids and Pets
When selecting paint for a household with children and pets, it’s crucial to prioritize health and safety. Here are our top recommendations for ECO-Friendly interior paint:
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select: This zero-VOC, low odor paint is perfect for homes that want high quality paint without VOC’s in the paint and thanks to Gennex colorants the final color is also zero-VOC.
- Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500: Zero-VOC Ultra Spec 500 is a professional-quality interior coating designed to meet the needs of professional painting contractors.
- Sherwin-Williams Harmony: Another zero-VOC option, Harmony paint also helps reduce common indoor odors, making it ideal for homes with pets.
- Behr Premium Plus: This low-VOC paint is not only safe but also provides great coverage and durability. It’s easy to clean, which is a bonus for busy households.
VOC Regulations by State
VOC regulations vary by state, aiming to protect public health and the environment. Here are some key points about these regulations:
California: With some of the strictest VOC standards, California follows the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, which sets very low VOC limits.
New York: The state adheres to regulations set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), which align with federal EPA standards but include additional restrictions for certain products.
Texas: Texas follows federal EPA guidelines, with specific stricter regulations in areas like Dallas-Fort Worth due to local air quality concerns.
Florida: The state generally follows EPA standards but has specific guidelines for certain counties to address local air quality issues.
VOC Regulations in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) oversees the regulation of VOCs in paints and other products. The state adheres to the federal EPA standards but also has specific regulations to address local air quality concerns. These regulations ensure that paint products sold in North Carolina meet stringent VOC limits to protect public health and the environment.
Conclusion
Choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC paints is a crucial step in creating a healthier home environment, especially for families with children and pets. Understanding the toxic nature of VOCs and the regulations in your state can help you make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of your loved ones while achieving beautiful, lasting results in your home.
At DeHaan Painting, we are committed to providing safe and beautiful painting solutions. Contact us for more personalized advice and top-quality painting services tailored to your needs.
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Helping Thousands of Families in Plaza Midwood, Noda, Chantilly, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Myers Park, South Park, Barclay Downs and Surrounding Areas.
DeHaan Painting
“Charlotte’s Premier Painter”
Dock, Deck, Fence Staining – Interior House Painting – Exterior House Painting – Kitchen Cabinet Painting – Limewash Applications – Commercial Painting – Christmas Light Installer
Phone: (980) 224-3191
Email: info@dehaanpaints.com
