What Are Zero-VOC Paints, and Which Paint Brands Sell Them?

Are you considering a new paint color for your next room refresh or DIY project? Besides color and finish, consider whether you'd prefer a zero-VOC paint for your project. Unfortunately, while paint can change the look of furniture and even an entire room, some harsh ingredients in paints not labeled zero-VOC can have various adverse effects on people who live in the home and contribute to air pollution. But here's the good news: plenty of zero-VOC paint brands are available, and some can be found online, so you can shop from the comfort of your home. Use this guide to learn more about VOCs and their impact on air quality.

What Are VOCs and Are They Harmful?

VOC is an acronym that stands for volatile organic compounds. The Environmental Protection Agency describes them as "organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions." VOCs are the invisible chemicals we smell when bringing paint products, building supplies, and even new furniture into our homes. The evaporation process is called "off-gassing," It can last well after the new paint smell is gone—potentially several years.

What are these chemicals exactly? Formaldehyde, d-Limonene, toluene, acetone, and ethanol (and more) fall within this category. Consumers have experienced short and long-term health effects from exposure to VOCs. According to the EPA, VOCs can be up to two to five times higher indoors. However, you can take steps to reduce the levels in your homes, including choosing zero-VOC paints.

What Is the Difference Between Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paint?

Laws and regulations around VOCs change often. VOC regulations can also differ from state to state, complicating the matter further. While low-VOC paint lines are widely available and used, they still may contain the chemicals mentioned above and off-gas harmful fumes, though less than traditional paint products historically had. The main differentiator is that brands offering zero-VOC paint don't add VOC chemicals to their mixtures, resulting in a product that might only have trace amounts, if any.

So, now that you know what VOCs are, what can you do about them? As you select colors, look for paint companies that meet zero-VOC paint emissions standards (containing 5g/L or less of VOCs) and are willing to disclose their test results to consumers. It is also crucial that a zero-VOC paint brand doesn't include VOCs in their tinting process either. VOCs can be present in the colorants, even if not in a base paint mixture.

Consumer Emissions Resources

With paint aisles filled with green labels, nature-inspired designs, and non-toxic claims, it can be hard to pick the best product for your project. One thing to pay attention to—if an eco-label certification is on a can, be sure it's an emissions test approved by the EPA.

The Greenguard label is a widely trusted label you might have already seen. Greenguard tests for VOC emission levels and offers a range of certifications. The Greenguard Gold Certification is the most rigorous and a good safety indicator. Consumers can also use Greenguard's website to search for other low-emitting, eco-friendly products. Spotting Greenguard's green badge on a product indicates that it's been tested and that it lands within its range of emissions standards.

Earth-friendly resources like Building Green or an online retailer such as Green Building Supply are also available to help with the shopping process. Lastly, you can research by checking a product's material safety data sheet, or MSDS, for a list of chemicals used.

Zero-VOC Paint Brands