Paint and VOC Content

We are getting ready for interior paint at Madrona St.  The Blown-in-Blanket insulation, shown above, has been installed over the spray foam completing the hybrid flash and batt insulation system used in the walls.Sheet rock is in progress and will be complete this week, painting begins next week.

Not so long ago, it was common for fumes to drive people from their homes during painting. Most conventional paints contained high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds  that produced a breathable gas when applied. Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOC's) in general, and in paint in particular,  have gotten a lot of interest in the last few years due to information that has come out on the health hazards associated with VOC exposure. 
Paints, adhesives, and other protective finishes are often formulated with solvents (or VOCs) to improve performance and durability. However, increased awareness of possible health risks and overall air quality concerns has led to a demand for products lower in VOCs. Today, alternative manufacturing techniques have allowed the development of low- and no-VOC paints that release no, or minimal VOC pollutants, and are virtually odor free.  Additionally, some paint cleanup often requires toxic solvents that release additional VOC pollutants. However Latex paints use water as their solvent and carrier, allowing both easier cleanup and generally lower toxicity than oil-based paints. Modern latex paints are equal or better in quality and durability than conventional oil-based formulas. Many stains and clear finishes for floors and cabinets are also commonly available.
It should be noted that not every latex-based coating is low in VOCs. Products may be described as low-VOC when they off-gas significantly less than other products. Some oil-based paints qualify as low-VOC because their formulas have been modified. VOC levels are expressed in pounds per gallon (lbs/gal) or grams per liter (g/l). Interior paint is given a Green Seal if it has a VOC content less than 50 g/l (for flat sheen) or 150 g/l (non-flat sheen).
 We will be using a Low VOC latex paint made by Pratt and Lambert which has VOC content of less than 50 grams per liter, meeting the Green Seal standard. This latex paint uses only water for clean up.
So in short, low- or no-VOC paints have less odor and less impact on indoor air quality than higher VOC-content paints, they are equal or better in quality and durability than conventional oil-based formulas  and since many VOC emissions contribute to higher ozone levels, use of low-VOC paints can improve overall air quality.