You have most likely heard about VOCs and wondered what they are. Should you be concerned about VOCs in house paint? New Life Painting is here to give you a rundown on what VOCs are and whether you need to avoid them.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- VOCs are volatile organic compounds that are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Many organic chemicals are used in household products such as interior paints and cleaning products.
- The level of VOCs is often higher inside of a home than outside due to reduced ventilation.
- VOCs can cause some health issues such as irritation in your eyes, nose or throat, headaches, nausea, and even cancer. As with most pollutants, the effects are based on the amount of exposure.
So before even choosing your paint colors and deciding on home decorating ideas, it’s a good idea to do some research on the chemicals found in some paints and choose the best paint for your job.
The good news is that the US government has set regulations on the VOC levels it considers safe in paint, so if you are on high alert reading side effects, consider these points:
- Many paint brands now have a low VOC or no VOC option in their paint colors.
- Whether you are using low VOC paint or not, it is always a good idea to ventilate the room after painting, as many of the VOCs leave the paint as it dries on your wall.
- Regulations on paint help keep levels at a reasonable level.
New Life Painting experts know the ins and outs of household paints and are ready to answer your questions and help choose the best paint for your interior or exterior paint job in the Central Coast, CA area. Request an estimate for your next painting job and see how efficient and friendly we can be
