Low voc latex paint

Like other paints on this list, it's acrylic-latex formula allows for a quick soap and water cleanup for drips and spills, making it worth a project for the whole family. Instead of chemical pigments, look for paints made with all-natural pigments. Organic paint from Old-Fashioned Milk Paint bills itself as "The Greenest Paint There Is," boasting that the "ingredients in the base paint are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and are all completely biodegradable" these include milk protein and minerals. That is why expectant mothers should not use any strong-smelling paint to avoid the risks associated with these chemicals. Water-based paints use water as the main solvent, but they still often contain five to ten percent VOCs. We all know that most paints have strong smells, that even just opening a can of paint will already give anyone a whiff of its signature scent.

An across-the-pond option, European manufacturer Graphenstone offers vegan, zero-VOC paint called Ecosphere that is made from organic lime and natural ingredients. Before volatile solvents like these were introduced to painting, oil paints were difficult to apply and rarely used. Taking the High Road Despite their bad rap, automakers occasionally get something right. The Greenguard Gold Certification is the most rigorous and is a good indicator of safety. On second thought, maybe selling it isn't such a good idea. Painters regularly exposed to paint vapors have an increased incidence of several types of cancers, impaired brain function, renal dysfunction and other health problems [source: International Programme on Chemical Safety ]. Typical household paint contains up to 10, chemicals, of which are known toxins and have been linked to cancer [source: Chadderdon , Grafman ].

Latex paint, which has lower VOC levels and is generally more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints, uses water -based solvents. By this time, you're probably wondering what qualifies paint as low-VOC. Related Stories. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.