Steve Napora © 2009
BobVila.com
Home remodelers and painting contractors have many more options these days when it comes to the kinds of paints they use to cover interior walls. EPA restrictions now limit the amount of harmful chemicals that paint manufacturers can add to their products, and new types of paints have come on the market that comply with the recent federal rules. If you've painted with latex, you know that it can release powerful fumes. The problem with these vapors is that they can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Some states have enacted their own painting regulations, so a product in Atlanta, GA or Boston, MA might have different levels of VOCs than other locations in the United States with stricter rules.
Breath Easier
Painting with traditional oil-based paints gives off fumes that are especially dangerous for people with allergies or asthma. The EPA lists other possible health effects from exposure to VOCs, and these include headaches, skin reactions, nausea and dizziness, just to name a few. And these don't take into account any long-term effects, since high-VOC paints can release chemicals into your home for years.
Save the Environment
Painting with high-VOC products not only adversely impacts indoor air quality, but when theses fumes make their way into the atmosphere, they can have negative effects on outdoor air, too. VOCs that stay close to the ground can contribute to smog and ground-level ozone, which are known to contribute to human health problems. Painting with environmentally friendly products can minimize these effects.
Get Good Coverage
Paint manufacturers have been working hard to make sure the new low-VOC paints perform as well as high-VOC brands. Various studies have found that the greener paints can match the older brands in terms of gloss retention, fade resistance, and color quality. Since regulations will only tighten from state to state, manufacturers are continually improving their low-VOC products to keep consumers happy.
Beautify Your Home
Manufacturers are bringing more and more low-VOC paint products to the market, giving consumers an increasing greater number of color choices for the painting projects. Some brands claim that they can even match any tint. Low-VOC product lines have offerings that are washable, so you can keep your newly painted walls looking good for a long time. Painting in an environmentally friendly way doesn't have to limit your design and style choices.
Minimize Waste
A painting project using water-based products, like low-VOC paints, can reduce your cleanup time. Cleaning water-based paints requires only soap and water, instead of harsh chemicals like paint thinners. If you have left over paint, you can feel safer storing low-VOC paints in your home, since they don't give off the amount of fumes as oil-based paints.
Manufacturers and painting contractors are preparing for more states to adopt stricter VOC rules like those in California. Consult with an expert to advise you on regulations in your area. If you're considering painting your home's interior, consult with a good, reputable contractor to ensure the best work and the maximum return on your remodeling project budget.
