VOCs are commonly found in paints as the medium that helps the paint glide onto a surface. Since every room in a house and the exterior are usually painted, VOCs are already everywhere. Paint can off-gas fumes for weeks, months, or years after initial application. VOCs can build up in the home. Besides paints and varnishes, they’re also in caulk, air fresheners, cleaning products, smoking, carpet, vinyl and composite flooring, dry cleaning, photocopiers, petroleum products, natural gas, upholstery, foam, and wood-burning. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Studies have found that levels of several organics average two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.” When inhaled, VOCs can contribute to several health problems, including irritation to your airways, headaches, nausea, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. “No VOC” and “low VOC” may undoubtedly sound better, and in many cases, they are better, but read on to find out what they imply for you and your household and how these products may influence your paint purchase decision.
VOC vs. No VOC or Low VOC: Major Differences
As the name describes, “no VOC” and “low VOC” paints sound like they are better than “VOC” paints; however, the Environmental Protection Agency states it can only regulate VOC-containing paints if they are photochemically reactive, meaning when they enter the atmosphere, they turn into ozone, which causes smog. “Some products that are labeled as “no VOC” or “low VOC” can contain volatile organic chemicals that are toxic, sometimes at high levels,” according to the EPA. “While it is probably prudent to use products with lower VOC levels, it does not assure that the products are any better (and they may even be worse) than products with higher VOC levels.” The bottom line is the EPA can regulate or ban VOC paints that contribute to photochemical smog, but other paints labeled as no-VOC or low-VOC remain on the market and may contain toxic elements. So, if toxicity is your most significant concern, instead of looking at VOC contents, look for paints labeled “non-toxic” or “natural paint.” These specialty paints can be harder to find, and you may have to order them online from alternative paint companies.
No or Low-VOC Paint
Paint formulations have come a long way. No and low-VOC paints have been tweaking their ingredients to get smooth paints, even with lower VOC contents. However, you will need an extra layer or two to get the paint to look as even and not streaky.
Best for Appearance: Standard VOC Paint
VOCs are used in paint because of how easy they make the task of painting. Paint that glides on smoothly and evenly and looks great with minimal effort will always win over a thinner, streakier formula, especially if time and costs are a factor.
Durability
Standard VOC Paint
Standard VOC paints tend to be the most durable regarding washability, opacity, and scuff resistance.
No or Low-VOC Paint
No and low-VOC paints have been formulated to be as durable as standard VOC paints. If a no or low-VOC paint has the “Green Seal,” it meets paint durability standards.
Best for Durability: Tie
As long as a low or no VOC paint has the “Green Seal” on it, it has been tested to meet durability factors such as adhesion, applicability, scrubbability, and washability.
Color
Standard VOC Paint
The richest colors have more VOCs. The addition of colorants raises the VOC content of the paint.
No or Low-VOC Paint
Paints that have no color have fewer VOCs. However, if you are embarking on a painting project, such as a nursery, with hopes of keeping VOCs as low as possible, getting a no or low-VOC paint that has colorant mixed in brings up the VOC content.
Best for Color: Standard VOC Paint
Colorants usually equal VOCs. The upside is your VOCs are reduced if you use a no or low-VOC paint can to start with and only have standard VOC colorant mixed in. Some paint manufacturers offer zero-VOC colorants, although they’re less common and much more expensive.
Cost
Standard VOC Paint
Standard VOC paints are usually the cheapest option available. An ordinary gallon of paint can cost, on average, $20 to $30. Also, you may need fewer coats of traditional VOC paint than a no or low-VOC paint.
No or Low-VOC Paint
No or low VOC paints cost more than standard VOC paints. Low-VOC paints can cost about $40 to $50 per gallon. Meanwhile, no-VOC paints cost about $50 to $60 per gallon.
Best for Cost: Standard VOC Paint
The least expensive paints are usually the paints that contain the most VOCs.
Odor
Standard VOC Paint
If you’re sensitive to odor, standard VOC paints are known for their distinctive chemical smell. You can mitigate the smell by putting a HEPA-filtered air purifier in the room after painting. Other ways to get rid of VOCs or fumes that are off-gassing are to use a dehumidifier, open windows, and turn on fans to ventilate the area.
No or Low-VOC Paint
One of the biggest benefits to getting no or low-VOC paint is they have very low odor.
Best for Odor: No or Low-VOC Paint
If you want a freshly painted room and no odor, opt for no or low-VOC paints.
Health Concerns
Standard VOC Paint
Standard VOC paints have high levels of VOCs and other toxic ingredients.
No or Low VOC Paint
No or low-VOC paint have fewer VOCs but may still contain toxic ingredients.
Best for Health Concerns: No or Low VOC Paint
No or low-VOC paint may be better for people with health concerns since they have fewer VOCs, but they still contain toxic ingredients. A better alternative for those with health concerns is paint labeled “non-toxic” or “natural.”
Environmental Impact
Standard VOC Paint
VOCs are harmful to the environment, so it stands to reason that higher VOC paints are likely worse than those with fewer VOCs. However, other ingredients in the paint can tip the balance.
No or Low VOC Paint
No and low-VOC paints may have fewer VOCs, but they are not entirely harmless. VOCs are only one of several toxic compounds in paints. The other components can be just as bad, if not worse.
Best for Environmental Impact: No or Low VOC-Paint
VOCs increase air pollution and can enter groundwater, which affects plants and wildlife. No or low-VOC paints have fewer VOCs, so they are likely better than standard or high-VOC paints. Although, if the other ingredients are just as toxic, it’s a wash.
Lifespan
Standard VOC Paint
Standard VOC paints seem to last longer than no or low-VOC paint.
No or Low VOC Paint
If you use no or low-VOC paint, you may need to reapply a coat to your walls sooner than if you used standard VOC paint.
Best for Lifespan: Standard VOC Paint
Standard VOC paint lasts longer between reapplications, requires fewer coats, and goes on smoother than lower VOC alternatives.
The Verdict
If you’re trying to save money and want paint that goes on smoothest, easiest, and lasts longer, go the route of standard VOC paint. However, you will likely be happier with no or low-VOC paints if you’re concerned about the environment and are sensitive to odor and potential health concerns. Although, if health and the environment are your most significant considerations, then opt for “non-toxic” or “natural” paint instead. Read the label to ensure they contain no extra solvents or additives, and check for a VOC level of 5 grams per liter or less.
Top Brands
Benjamin Moore Eco Spec: This Benjamin Moore paint is their “greenest” interior premium acrylic paint that comes in a flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss finish and all colors, using their Gennex zero-VOC colorant system. Sherwin Williams Harmony: This acrylic latex paint features an anti-microbial ingredient to reduce the growth of mold and mildew. This ingredient makes it a great option to use in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms with excess moisture.ECOS: For more than 30 years, ECOS Paint has been producing paint for people with sensitivities. Their paint is water-based, zero-VOC, low-odor, manufactured in the United States, and includes a complete ingredient list and VOC test data.Behr Premium Plus Low Odor: Since 2012, Behr has offered an affordable zero-VOC, low-odor paint. The big plus with this option is this paint is an all-in-one primer and paint combo. It has a mildew-resistant finish, is 100% acrylic, and dries fast. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified, meeting standards for low chemical emissions. Farrow & Ball: Their richly pigmented paints are classified as minimal or low-VOC, water-based paints, and low-odor.
