by Mike Owens

Created on: April 22, 2009

There are numerous zero VOC paints available in the market today. One question that is not readily asked by the general public is, "Are all zero VOC paints healthy paints and do they perform as well as high VOC paint products?" Removing VOC's from a paint formula is just that, once removed the resulting product does not off-gas volatile organic compounds into the indoor atmosphere or have a negative effect on the atmosphere's ozone layer. This is a great step in the right direction for a healthy home but to really understand we have to dig a little deeper.

Now that the VOC's have been eliminated in these zero VOC paint products how does the product perform and is the product now healthy? The solvent, pigment, binder, resin and thickeners used in higher VOC paints were there for a reason, to make the product perform properly during application and to provide a product that would stand the test of time. The key attributes to a good quality paint product are; ease of application, brushability, hiding power, adhesion, touch-up capability and when cured, washability and scrubability. When the VOC's are removed from the paint formula does the new formula work as well as the previous high VOC formula? In many cases no! In some products the zero VOC formula dries slowly, covers poorly and has major deficiencies in adhesion and scrub resistance. Not exactly the ideal coating for areas where a high performing product is required.

What about the health benefits of the product, can zero VOC paints now be considered safe for your home, your family and your health? This is an area that has not really been discussed but most definitely should be addressed. Besides VOC's in paint formulas there are other chemicals that do not contain VOC's that are very unhealthy and can actually be harmful for humans. Ingredients such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, heavy metals (such as mercury) ethylene glycol, fungicides, mildewcides and biocides still reside in some zero VOC formulas. These ingredients although they do not carry VOC's definitely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) and should not be considered safe or natural.

There are many "Natural" paint products on the market which are void of the ingredients listed above, these can be considered safe for the most part and do not negatively affect the IAQ and are generally a better choice for a healthy home. These products are typically made from natural raw ingredients such as clay, soy, plant, collagen or milk and will do an adequate

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