A fresh coat of paint is one of the most common tools used to give a home a ‘new’ feeling when moving, renovating or building a new home. In Feng Shui it’s even considered to help imprint your energy into a new home and is part of clearing away other people’s energy as an element in Sacred Space Clearings.

However, your health and wellbeing can easily be affected by choosing traditional paints that are full of toxins and chemicals that you breath in.  It’s an easily overlooked aspect when you’re in the throes of renovating or building unless you specifically consider this and do your research first.

It’s important to know the facts in the design and planning stage to select a good, low toxic and zero-emission paint as you can often get busy and just buy the first tin that looks ok from the nearest shop! Keep in mind this is all part of creating a healthy home environment and keeping a high indoor air quality for your family.  It’s worth the time to consider using a Zero VOC paint ahead of time for your next project.

What are VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds?

These are chemicals which off-gas from the paint into the air around you that you and your family breath in daily.  These volatile organic compounds are gaseous in their natural state and are very hazardous to your health to inhale and create negative indoor air quality.

They contribute to air pollution inside your home by participating in the chemical reactions that take place in the atmosphere and can even result in creating ‘smog.’ They can also lead to the formation of other negative compounds when exposed to sunlight like ozone, which is a known eye and lung irritant.

VOC emissions occurs from the moment the tin of paint is opened and continues for years after the paint is on your walls.  They are also known to be higher on hotter and more humid days. Recent research has also indicated that there is a high incidence of serious health issues like cancer associated with the profession of painting.  Long term exposure of any hazardous chemical is not good for your health, which you would be exposed to living in your home or workplace painted with traditional paint.

These chemicals have significant impacts on human health and wellbeing and also contribute to allergic reactions.  The extent of how many health problems result from VOCs depends on their toxicity, concentration and duration of personal exposure.  Eco specifier raises that some of these (known carcinogenic) substances referred to as ‘air toxins’ can include: benzene, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene and xylenes.

Aim to avoid VOC emissions as much as possible to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in your home where you have more control over what is in it.

Is it ‘Zero’ or ‘Low’ VOC emission?

Check a product’s label to find out the VOC content to see if it is in fact ‘Zero’ or ‘Low’ VOC. Other names that this may be on a label are things like: ‘No VOC,’ ‘Zero Emission,’ ‘Organic,’ ‘low odour,’’ low VOC’ and/or ‘plant-based’ paint.

The Australian Paint Approval Scheme that is owned by CSIRO, specifies the following VOC levels:

Very High:                   >250 g/Lt

High:                                100 – 249 g/Lt

Moderate:                   50 – 99 g/Lt

Low:                                 5 – 49 g/Lt

Very Low (‘Zero’):     <5 g/Lt

As you can see there is a range to the content of VOC emissions in each category so there is a need to check what amount is actually in the paint you are selecting.  Tints usually take a Zero VOC paint up by a small factor also, so lighter colours are usually better than darker tints as a general guide.   Aim to achieve the lowest VOC rating you can.

Many paint or hardware stores now stock low-VOC or Zero-VOC product lines making them more accessible. I’ve been using a great brand Eco style from Rock cote on the Gold Coast for over 12 years, before it became popular for other big brand names to start considering lowering their VOC content.  It is a water-based acrylic paint that has been very durable for homes and workplaces alike. Its nice to support companies who are doing the right thing ahead of time.

Also consider not using any ‘Anti-Mould’ or ‘Anti-Bacterial’ paint products, which are generally just pesticides added that then off-gas into your home.  These are well marketed by leading brands as being a requirement in a standard home these days.  A healthy home will support a healthy and diverse microbiome and will not require this.  Mould is a symptom of a moisture problem in your home, which should be addressed to find the root cause. Not by just painting over it and definitely not needed as a ‘safety’ or ‘preventative’ means.

Natural paints vs Zero VOC paints

You can also consider natural paints, which inherently have a very low VOC content.  Natural paints are made from ingredients like: lime, minerals, milk casein, natural latex, bees wax, mineral dyes, chalk and plant-based materials. These paints are usually a bit more expensive than standard Low or Zero VOC pains and are generally not as washable.

They are a great option for anyone who is chemically sensitive and generally looking to create a healthy and natural home.  They are also fully breathable allowing healthy airflow through the entire wall. Be aware that some ‘natural’ paints can have casein in them, which can cause allergic reactions for those with dairy-allergies (aim to use water/ lime-based paint if this is the case). There are a few companies around who supply these types of paints that Ive found to be local and good.

Tips to selecting Zero VOC paints

• Check the label for content of VOC’s and chose one with the lowest VOC’s available and within your budget (ie <5mg/ Lt)
• Chose water-based paints over oil-based paints to generally lower the VOC emissions
• Select lighter colours requires less tinting (it is often the ‘white’ that has the lower VOC content)
• Chose a GECA approved environmental choice paint
• Consider natural paints if you have the budget and check no allergies to any products

Sustainable use of Zero VOC paints:

• Does something need to be made, painted or used?
• Buy only enough paint for what is needed for the project
• Give away leftover paint to a friend instead of throwing it out
• Will the product be durable for the required purpose?
• Is the product reusable, fully biodegradable or highly recyclable at the end of life?
• Can I use a water based paint as oil- based paints will require more solvents in the cleaning process?
• Chose to use Paintback – a paint recycling facility now available on the Gold Coast
• Don’t dump leftover paint or waste water from cleaning tools into the drains which flow directly into natural water bodies
• Aim to avoid any products that would have a negative impact on biodiversity

Make your next project a little healthier by considering a Zero VOC paint and enhance the health and wellbeing for all occupants.  Consider a holistic review of any renovations before you undertaken them to ensure they will create a healthy + harmonious home for your family. And have fun in the process of any design project!