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Taking the Toxicity Out of Paint

By Natalie Cook

Team Planet Green

By Team Planet Green
Silver Spring, MD, USA | Tue Jul 8, 2008 08:32 AM ET

a woman paiting


Andy Ryan/Getty Images

On Greenovate, Josh Pevnit and Melissa Turait transform several parts of their Spanish style home in anticipation of the arrival of a little bundle of joy. They create an eco-conscious renovation plan to not only be model parents, but to also consider their child's health and safety. As such, the family decides to use non-VOC paint on the walls. Find what non-VOC paint is why it's a great option for everyone.

We all know the importance of wearing a mask and working in a ventilated space when painting inside the home. While most understand the dangers of inhaling toxic paint fumes during the application process, generally people don't think the toxicity remains on the walls. Unfortunately, the vast majority of paints contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which emit a low level of toxic air several years after it is applied.

However, there are paints on the market now which contain low or no VOCs. These non-hazardous, water and oil based paints emit very little odor. As such, freshly painted rooms can be occupied sooner. Clean up and disposal is also more convenient because the more natural paint is not considered hazardous waste.

Want to find some non VOC paint for your home improvement project? Head to your local building supply store and spend a few minutes on the paint aisle. Be sure to read labels to check for ingredients like formaldehyde or ammonia. Many low VOC paints still have some toxic materials. While the low VOC options are better for the environment than traditional paints, getting non-VOC paint is the absolute best choice.

 
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