Deadly Paint

As any regular reader knows, I have an interest in "going green". My recent research is into the world of home improvement. One of the topics that has come up, over and over, is the need for "green" paint. This is typically defined as one without "volatile organic compounds" or VOCs.

As happens frequently, there is the government definition of non-VOC and then there are manufacturer definitions. To decide what qualifies as non-VOC, I first had to find out what a VOC was and why it is harmful. I turned to two articles on WebMD. The first talks about environmental illnesses caused by toxins in our environment, and the second specifically tells you what VOCs are and what they can do to you.

According to my research, new paint can release VOCs into the air for up to one year after application. These VOCs can cause loss of coordination, liver damage, asthma, and some forms of cancer. Is this what you want as a side effect of repainting your bedroom?

Most major manufacturers offer low or non-VOC paints now. In addition, there are companies (like AFM) which offer only non-VOC paints and stains. If you are considering home renovation, I would encourage you to check this out.

Thoughts anyone?