The VOCs emitted by solvents found in most paints contribute to the formation of ground level ozone and indoor air pollution. A study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that indoor VOC levels were 1,000 times more than outdoor levels after painting, as the paint was drying. Another study showed that VOCs were released at a higher rate from paint that was being applied and drying than from any other product used indoors.

In sunlight, some organic solvents used in paint can react with nitrous oxides in the atmosphere to form smog. California 's South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) developed legislation limiting the amount of solvents used in paint because these VOCs are significant contributors to smog formation.

While latex paint produce less VOC's than oil-based paints, the volume of their use is extremely large—totaling 87 percent of all indoor paint sold in the United States—and emissions from latex paints are a major source or indoor air pollution.

Nothing brightens up a space like a fresh coat of paint. All too often, however, the "clean" smell of new paint is actually the vapors released from the toxic ingredients used as solvents in conventional paints. Known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), these include benzene, formaldehyde, kerosene, ammonia, toluene and xylene, which are known carcinogens and neurotoxins. The more VOCs a paint contains, the stronger the odor. Exposure to VOCs can worsen asthma symptoms and cause nose, skin and eye irritation; headaches, nausea, convulsions and dizziness; respiratory problems; nerve damage; and, in some cases, liver and kidney disease.

While VOCs vary greatly in their safety, ranging from those that are highly toxic to those with no known health effects, most VOCs found in paints unfortunately fall into the former category. Limonene, a natural plant oil, can originate VOCs, but they are less harmful than VOCs generated by petrochemical ingredients found in paint.

The majority of household paints today are either alkyd (solvent/oil) or water (latex/plastic/emulsion) based. Alkyd paints, which are used mostly for high-gloss applications or to minimize mold growth in areas with high moisture, contain 32 to 42 percent VOCs, as opposed to 2 to 5 percent found in latex paints. However, latex paints, which are most commonly used for interior walls and ceilings, can contain other preservatives, fungicides and dangerous solvents in them. Phenylmercury, a potent neurotoxin once used in latex paint, has been banned since 1990, but can be found in paints manufactured earlier. According to the EPA, latex paints make up 87% of the interior paint sold in the United States.

Many consumers are turning to "eco-friendly" paints for both the environmental benefits and also out of concern for their own health. It is best to avoid alkyd- or oil-based paints, even if they are labeled low-VOC, and to seek latex paints instead. A wide variety of "natural" paints are available for purchase (See Shopping Suggestions). Natural paints, which tend to cost more, are usually made from citrus and other plant ingredients, milk protein or clay. They are better for the environment because most do not use petrochemicals or produce smog and are free of preservatives and biocides. While they take a lot longer to dry, are more difficult to apply and often need to be layered in several coats, the environmental and health benefits associated with natural paints are worth the extra time. Natural paints are best suited for drier areas, as they are less resistant to mildew and molds.

Clean Air Counts, an initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions in Chicago, recommends using paint with VOC limits within those set by SCAQMD. These limits state that flat paint VOC levels should not exceed 100 grams per liter and non-flat paint (semi-gloss, gloss, eggshell, or satin), not exceed 150 grams per liter. Often labeled "low-"or "no-VOC" these latex paints are water-based and emit fewer harmful fumes than regular latex paint.

While they generally cost more, "VOC-free," "no-VOC," or "zero-VOC" paints are less toxic than conventional low-VOC paints, and are virtually free of chemicals listed as carcinogenic under the California law. Because most still contain toxic preservatives, chemically sensitive people should avoid areas exposed to VOC-free paint.

Biocides such as preservatives and fungicides are commonly added to conventional latex paints to fend off mold and mildew, extending shelf-life. "Low-biocide" paints are 90 to 95 percent free of biocides, but may still have high VOC levels. They are best suited for use in indoor dry areas because they are more susceptible to mildew.

"'Natural milk' paints are virtually odorless and are made using the milk protein casein and lime to which are added earth pigments." They contain no solvents, preservatives or biocides, though some do have synthetic ingredients like acrylic and vinyl. They come in powdered form and once opened or mixed with water, they should be used quickly, as they can mold if left to stand for a few weeks.

"Whitewashes," which only come in white, contain only lime paste, water and salt. They are a low cost option that, like milk paints, are more fragile and are best applied to plaster, cement or stucco walls.

"Recycled paint," often a bargain at under $10 per gallon, is created when a few types of paints are consolidated into one. According to the Waste Watch Center, recycled paint should have a minimum of 50% recycled content and be available in consistent colors. However, because several paints are mixed together, recycled paint is often best suited for areas where consistent color is not required.

Alkyd- or oil-based based paints, whose entire carrier (which keeps the paint in liquid form) is a volatile organic compound, contain much higher levels of smog-generating VOCs than do latex paints. ("Environmental Building News Feb 1999 "Paint the Room Green") While oil-based paints can be marketed as low-VOC, their VOC content is usually much higher than that of latex-based paints. If you must purchase an oil-based paint, make sure it does not contain any of the ingredients listed below:

acrolein

acrylonitrile

antimony

benzene

cadmium

1,2-dichlorobenzene

etylbenzene

butyl benzyl phthalate

formaldehyde

hexavalent chromium

isophorone

lead

mercury

methylene chloride

methyl ethyl ketone

methyl isobutyl ketone

naphthalene

phthalate esters

1,1,1-trichloroethane

toluene

vinyl chloride

(NOTE: The toxic substances above can be found in both alkyd- or latex-based paints)

If sanding or removing paint (only after the area has been tested for lead and is lead-free), wear a dust mask or respirator and keep the area well ventilated since this process generates crystalline silica dust (also known as quartz or cristobalite). Crystalline silica is carcinogenic when inhaled.

Paint strippers, used to remove old paint, are also problematic because they contain methylene chloride, a probable human carcinogen. Some paint strippers are made with caustic soda, which can cause severe burns Use mineral washing soda instead, which you can find in the laundry section of your supermarket. Wearing gloves, make a very thick paste of washing soda and water and spread with a putty knife on the surface to be stripped. Let it set for several hours or overnight, keeping it as moist as possible by misting frequently with water. Rinse and peel off the paint.

Detecting and Removing Lead Paint

Lead, a highly toxic metal once used in paint, is the number one environmental health hazard to children in the United States. Children who suffer from lead poisoning can experience learning disabilities, memory loss, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, aggression and other behavior problems. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, their developing fetus is also subject to exposure because lead crosses the placenta.

According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, about 38 million (40 percent) U.S homes built before 1978 contain lead paint. If your home falls in this category, have an EPA-certified lab near you test it for lead (call the National Lead Information Center at 800/424-LEAD or visit www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/nlic.htm for a lab near you). If lead is found but the paint is not chipping or peeling and you do not plan to repaint the area, you do not need to take any action. However, if the paint is not intact or is found in areas with high friction, such as door jambs or window frames, have a certified lead removal specialist strip off the lead paint - never attempt to remove it yourself.

If you want to renovate an area where lead paint is found, you must also have a certified lead specialist remove it before putting on a new coat of paint. To find a contractor in your area, call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Lead Listing's office at 202/535-2627or visit them on the web at www.leadlisting.org. Your family should temporarily move, if at all possible, until the lead paint is removed.

To find the VOC content of a paint, check the back of the paint can. Also look at the manufacturer's material safety data sheet (MSDS), which most manufacturers provide on their websites. The MSDS contains detailed information about the ingredients found in the paint, as well as its VOC levels.

The paints below are either no- or low-VOC formulated to reduce air-polluting emissions. Most are only available at retailers that specialize in environmentally-friendly products (See Retailers). If you can't find a particular brand, call the manufacturer for a list of distributors (See Company Contact Information).

Company Contact Information

AFM, www.afmsafecoat.com, 800/239-0321

Aglaia, www.beeck.de

Auro Paint, www.aurousa.com, 883/302-9352

Benjamin Moore, www.benjaminmoore.com, 800/344-0400

BioShield, www.bioshieldpaint.com, 800/621-2591

Chem-Safe, 210/657-5321

Coronado Paint, www.coronadopaint.com, 800/883-4193

Duron Paints & Wallcoverings, www.duron.com, 800/72-DURON

Kelly Moore Paint Company, www.kellymoore.com, 650/592-8337

ICI Dulux, www.iciduluxpaints.com, 216/344-8000

Innovative Formulations Company, www.innovativeformulations.com, 520/628-1553

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company, www.milkpaint.com, 978/448-6336

Retailers

Environmental Construction Outfitters, www.environproducts.com, 800/238-5008

Environmental Home Center, www.environmentalhomecenter.com, 800/281-9785

Green Home, www.greenhome.com, 415/282-6400

Natural Home Products, www.naturalhomeproducts.com, 707/824-0914

NEEDS, www.needs.com, 800/634-1380

New Century Paints, www.fargbygge.se, 413/528-4319

Nirvana Safe Heaven, www.nontoxic.com, 800/968-9355

Planetary Solutions, www.planetearth.com, 303/442-6228

Safe Use Tips

Always read all labels before starting a paint job. When painting indoors, make sure to wear a respirator and open all windows to let out the fumes. It takes most paints at least six weeks to fully dry and offgas. House plants, such as spider plants, peace lilies, palms and rubber plants, can help absorb odors given off by paints by converting VOCs to oxygen.

Pregnant women and people with allergies or asthma should not paint and should stay out of the area until after the paint has dried. It is advisable to wait at least 48 hours before reinhabiting a freshly painted room.

Keep all paint products in their original containers and do not leave them open when not in use. Vapors from solvent-based paint can build up in just a matter of seconds, creating not only an unhealthy environment, but a fire hazard as well. Make sure to extinguish pilot lights since most solvents are highly flammable.

If you have paint manufactured before 1990 and want to use it, call the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 800/858-7378 to find out whether your brand contains phenylmercury. If it does, don't use it; instead, dispose of it according to hazardous waste regulations in your community.

Safe Storage and Disposal Tips

Alkyd-based paint lasts up to 15 years and latex paint up to 10 years (if it has not been repeatedly frozen and thawed). As a general rule, if paint will mix when you stir it, it is probably usable. Store paint in its original container by covering the opening with plastic wrap and making sure the lid fits tightly. Storing the paint can upside down will create a tight seal around the lid, keeping it fresh until you need it again.

The best way to dispose of paint is to use it - if you can not, try donating to or exchanging it with someone who can. Never pour unused paid down the drain. If, as a last resort, you need to dispose of paint, do so properly. For latex paint, let the leftovers dry away from children and pets. Recycle the empty can and throw the dried paint away with your regular trash. If you live in California, Washington or Minnesota, your state may require special disposal considerations for latex-based paints, so be sure to check with your local sanitation department. You should never discard alkyd-based paint with your normal trash - instead, contact your local hazardous waste department for special paint collection programs in your community.

Chang, John C.S. "Capstone Report of the Development of a Standard Test Method for VOC Emissions from Interior Latex and Alkyd Paints." November 2001 Environmental Protection Agency Report www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/EPA-600-R-01-093.pdf

"Choose Green Report," Green Seal, www.greenseal.org/cgrs/CGR_Paints.pdf

Clean Air Counts, www.cleanaircounts.org, 312/554-0900

Construction Resources, www.constructionresources.com, 4420/750-2211

"Detecting and Removing Lead Paint." Children's Health Environmental Coalition

www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp? Main_ID=347

Dickey, Phillip. "Paints, Solvents, and Wood Preservatives: Protecting Your Wood and Your Health", Washington Toxics Coalition www.watoxics.org/pages/root.aspx?fromCamMenu=True&pos=3|4|1

Green Seal, www.greenseal.org/standards/paints.htm

Green Living Center, www.greenliving.org/healthyliving/paints.html

Malin, Nadav. "Paint the Room Green," Environmental Building News, February 1999

Pennybacker, Mindy and Aisha Ikramuddin. Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet Guide to Natural Baby Care, John Wiley & Sons, 1999

Steadman, Lauren. "Glossing Over the Facts," Ethical Consumer October/November 2002. www.ethicalconsumer.org

Steinman, David and Samuel Epstein, M.D. The Safe Shopper's Bible, Macmillan, 1995

'Traditional, Ecological and Conventional Paints," Bricks and Brass, www.bricksandbracks.co.uk

"What are VOCs?" Environmental Home Center, www.environmentalhomecenter.com

—by Andreea Matei
October 31, 2003