Paint changes more than just the look of a room. It can also change how healthy your home feels. The paint you choose can affect the air you breathe. Some paints can release harmful chemicals into the air. Others are much safer.
Low-VOC and no-VOC paints are better for your health. They are also better for the planet. Let’s see why.
What Are VOCs and Why Should You Care?
VOCs stand for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that turn into gas at room temperature. You can’t see them, but you can breathe them in.
Paint is one of the biggest sources of VOCs inside homes. Indoor VOC levels can be 2 to 10 times higher than outdoors.
Common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Breathing these can cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sore eyes, nose, and throat
- Nausea
Long-term, they can even harm the nervous system or increase the risk of cancer.
The problem does not stop when the paint dries. Some materials and furniture can store VOCs and release them slowly over time. This makes your indoor air worse.
How Low-VOC and No-VOC Paints Help
Less toxic gas
Low-VOC paints have less than 50 grams per liter. No-VOC paints have less than 5 grams per liter. This means they give off far fewer harmful gases. The air becomes cleaner faster.
Quicker fresh air
Studies show that low-VOC paints can reach safe air levels in about 7 days. Regular paints can take 14 days or more. Some special paints can even cut formaldehyde by almost half.
Little or no smell
We all know the strong smell of fresh paint. Low- and no-VOC paints have almost no odor. You can enjoy your new room sooner without breathing in fumes.
Safer for sensitive people
These paints are better for children, pregnant women, older adults, pets, and people with asthma or allergies. They lower the chance of breathing problems.
Better for long-term health
Good indoor air quality means less chance of chronic health problems in the future.
Other Benefits: Environment, Performance, and Value
Better for nature
High-VOC paints add to outdoor air pollution and smog. Low-VOC paints help reduce this. Many eco-friendly paints also use natural and biodegradable ingredients. Their cans and packaging are often recyclable.
Strong and long-lasting
Old low-VOC paints sometimes did not last as long. Today’s versions are just as strong as regular paint. They cover well, stick, keep their color, and can last for years. They also dry faster, resist mold, and often need fewer coats.
Trusted certifications
Look for labels like GREENGUARD, Green Seal, or LEED. These prove that the paint meets strict safety and eco-friendly rules.
Adds home value
A fresh coat of eco-friendly paint makes your home healthier and more appealing to buyers.
Platinum Pro Painting’s Promise
Platinum Pro Painting in Saskatoon cares about both beauty and safety. They choose certified low- and no-VOC paints for your home. They follow best practices, like proper ventilation, so you can enjoy your new space without worry.
They believe painting should improve your home’s look and your health. That’s why they focus on safe, eco-friendly products every time.
If you want safe and stylish results, see their services here: Interior Painting in Saskatoon
How to Choose the Right Paint
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Pick water-based paints like latex, acrylic, or mineral.
- Check VOC levels: Under 50 g/L is low-VOC. Under 5 g/L is no-VOC.
- Look for certifications: GREENGUARD, Green Seal, LEED, EMICODE.
- Ventilate well during and after painting.
- Test small areas for smell, finish, and drying time.
- Use low-VOC primers to match your paint’s safety level.
- Choose the right finish: Matte has fewer VOCs. Satin is easier to clean.
- Ask your painter about the products they use.
Final Thoughts
After years of working with paint, one thing is clear: the type of paint you choose matters. Low-VOC and no-VOC paints make your home safer, your air cleaner, and the planet healthier.
Expert Painting service makes it easy to get all these benefits without losing style or quality. Your walls will look great, and you’ll breathe easier.
