With home builders becoming increasingly focused on sustainability and health, indoor air quality is an important factor that can be affected by the choice of paints used. If you’re embarking on a renovation or building project and wondering what paint would be best for your family and the planet, you have probably come across the term low-VOC paint. So what does it mean? Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor looking for less toxic finishes, knowing the facts about low VOC paints can help you make informed decisions to ensure a healthier and more sustainable home. So keep reading.
What are VOCs?
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals that are extremely volatile and easily evaporate into the atmosphere. VOCs are present in many commercial products, including paints, cleaning supplies, and cement, and exhibit a serious burden to indoor air quality.
When one uses paints that have high concentrations of VOCs, exposure to VOCs in the time frame that they are evaporating (off-gassing) can cause health issues like eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and decreased lung capacity over time. In addition, in certain cases of freshly painted rooms, the level of VOCs can be greatly elevated and remain at high levels for many days, thus harming the indoor air quality.
Taking these factors into consideration, it is wise to use the low-VOC option, especially if there are children, elderly individuals, or someone who has any breathing issues present in the residence.
What is Low-VOC Paint?
Low-VOC paint has lower VOC levels than typical formulations, while still exhibiting similar product properties. There are only small emissions of harmful gases during application when compared to conventional types of paint, and there will not be any significant harmful emissions during the “off-gassing” phase when it is dry.
According to current regulations, for products to be labeled as “low-VOC,” they must meet performance or safety criteria established by regulatory authorities. In general, the VOC content must be less than 50 grams per liter of paint for it to be classified as low-VOC paint. The above amounts, limits, or the status to be worded as low-VOC can differ depending on the criteria established by the entity or regulatory agent.
Importance and Purpose of Low-VOC Paint
The main purposes of low-VOC paints are,
- Improved indoor air quality is associated with lower chemical exposure.
- Improving the safety of occupants, particularly in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and other spaces that are frequently used.
- Complying with environmentally friendly building criteria such as LEED and IGBC.
- Supporting environmentally friendly measures in the housing and building sectors.
Composition of Low-VOC Paints
Low-VOC paints in India are mainly water-based and made from natural or bio-based ingredients that are used as raw materials instead of solvents of petroleum origin in standard paints. Consequently, they are less harmful to the environment and also safer for maintaining the indoor air quality of a room. Some of the popular brand products with low-VOCs and their compositions are as follows:
- Asian Paints Nilaya Naturals: These organic paints are created from nature-based materials of up to 95% of the total content, such as soya bean extract, casein, calcium carbonate, castor seeds, and neem oil, which provide the most eco-friendly solution for the housing sector.
- Berger Silk Breath Easy: A luxury interior paint, it combines acrylic emulsions and additives that resist fungi and algae growth along with pigments with a low VOC content. It is made for formaldehyde reduction, thus indoor air gets purified, and a healthier living environment can be obtained.
- Dulux Better Living Air Clean Biobased: This formula, certified by the USDA, is a bio-based one that substitutes petroleum-based materials with plant-based ingredients. It utilises natural active bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil.
Applications of Low-VOC Paint
Low-VOC paints can be applied just like traditional paints using brushes, rollers, or spray guns. Here’s how they’re commonly used in construction:
- Interior walls and ceilings: The primary focus of painting in homes, hospitals, and offices.
- Kitchens and nurseries: These are the places that require the cleanest air.
- Restoration works: Buildings that are being renovated, but people are still staying inside.
- Buildings certified by LEED: Places that are obliged to meet environmental standards.
For best results, apply in well-ventilated areas and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for drying times and coats.
Pros and Cons of Low-VOC Paint
Pros
- Clean Air: Low-VOC, eco-friendly paints are a good solution to maintain cleaner indoor air. These paints lower the release of harmful gases, which is the reason behind respiratory problems and allergies. It is particularly good for people with health problems because VOCs can cause breathing issues or make their situation worse.
- No Strong Odours: Low VOC paints have removed the strong “fresh paint” smell that is the cause of many discomforts and respiratory problems. Traditional paints also produce chemical blends with smells that provoke people, whereas low VOC paints give a possibility for faster reoccupation without any worries about vapours.
- Easy to Clean: Such paints are very easy to keep clean with just soap and a little water. Dirt, scuffs, and even your kids’ drawings on the wall can be easily wiped off; thus, your walls will remain clean without using any strong chemicals.
- Longevity and Durability: Low-VOC paints are usually more long-lasting than the high-VOC ones, which means that they have a longer life span and are also less prone to wear and tear. Thus, the need for frequent repainting works gets reduced.
- Enhanced Safety During Application: The use of low VOC paints is highly encouraged, especially in situations where the room is not properly ventilated. Application of this kind of paint is less risky, and as a result, construction workers are exposed to less dangerous fumes.
- Faster Reoccupation Times: The application of these paints enables faster reoccupation of the rooms since there is minimal odour and the gases dissipate quickly, thus, the downtime for homes and commercial spaces is reduced.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Though initially more expensive, low VOC paints save money in the long run due to their durability, reduced repainting needs, and health benefits.
Cons
- More expensive up front: Low-VOC paints are more expensive than conventional paints.
- Color limits: May not achieve some very bright colors.
- Shelf life: May have a shorter shelf life due to having fewer preservatives.
- Drying tolerances: May require exact temperature and humidity conditions for the best drying.
Selecting the Right Low-VOC Paint
Choosing the best low-VOC paint depends on your project type and surface requirements. Here’s what to consider:
- Certifications: Look out for Green Seal, GREENGUARD, or EPA Safer Choice labels.
- Coverage and finish: Some low-VOC paints may require more coats to cover completely.
- Surface compatibility: Make sure that the paint adheres well to the substrate (concrete, plaster, drywall, etc.) present.
- Manufacturer reputation: There are established brands, like Asian Paints, Nerolac, or Berger, that have low-VOC ranges you can trust.
At Brick & Bolt, our partners usually prefer to use low-VOC emulsion paints for the interiors and low-VOC enamels for trims and furniture.
Limitations and Considerations
While low-VOC paints are safer, they’re not completely free of chemicals. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Low-VOC: Be sure to verify the actual gram per liter (g/L) values on the label.
- Scent masking: Some paints may have fragrances that mask the odour, but can still cause sensitivities.
- Tints can raise VOC levels: Using colour pigments can increase VOC content slightly.
- Application is an important factor: Poor ventilation during product application can lead to exposure, regardless of category or low-VOC presence.
Regulatory & Certification Standards
Several standards and agencies control the labeling and use of low-VOC paints:
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The BIS sets quality standards for various products in India, including paints. They regulate the permissible VOC levels in paints through specific standards like IS 15489:2013, which governs the environmental impact of paints and coatings. This ensures that paints used in India meet minimum quality, safety, and environmental requirements, reducing the risk of harmful emissions.
- GreenPro Certification: GreenPro, managed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is India’s certification for environmentally responsible products. Paints with this certification meet stringent criteria regarding low VOC content, non-toxicity, and sustainable building practices. The certification helps consumers identify paints that are safer for maintaining indoor air quality and for the environment.
- Indian Green Building Council (IGBC): The IGBC promotes sustainable building practices in India. They recommend low-VOC paints for green building projects and provide a rating system that includes the use of such paints to reduce indoor air pollution and promote health and well-being in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- LEED Certification (India): The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, widely recognised in India, encourages the use of sustainable products, including low-VOC paints. This certification ensures that the paints used in LEED-certified buildings comply with strict environmental standards, improving both indoor air quality and the environmental footprint of buildings.
These certifications and regulatory standards help ensure that paints used in India are environmentally responsible and safe for both the occupants and the surrounding ecosystem.
Trends in Low-VOC Paints
With the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction methods, low-VOC paints are no longer a niche product. Here are the current trends that are shaping this space:
- Increased formulation of zero-VOC paints: A few brands have chemical formulations that have almost no off-gassing.
- Smart additive technology: New anti-microbial, self-cleaning, and odour-neutralising paints are on the horizon.
- Sustainable packaging: Even paint brands are starting to provide recyclable containers and eco-logistics.
Contractors and real estate brands like Brick & Bolt are encouraging such innovations to meet consumer demands and reduce the environmental impact of building projects.
Conclusion
Low-VOC paints have changed our approach to health, sustainability, and building. They are a cleaner, smarter, and safer option to use than traditional paints and do not have lower quality or performance. Low-VOC paints can be part of a green strategy for building and do their part to allow homeowners to breathe easier, in addition to the larger sustainable living objective.
If you are looking to paint or to build a full home, Brick & Bolt can help you source and utilise low-VOC paints that provide a successful combination of style, performance, and health. Choose low-VOC for a cleaner, safer home today.
Apoorva H P Achar