Low VOC paints: what should I know about them?
We often see paint companies advertising the low VOC content of their products. But beyond knowing that VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound, you might know little about what these chemicals are.
Above all, VOCs affect the eco-credentials of a product. Find out why it’s so important to invest in paint with low VOC content.
What does low VOC paint mean?
‘Low VOC’ paint refers to paint that contains minimal Volatile Organic Compounds. At Little Greene, we have been able to reduce the VOC content in our water-based paints to the lowest possible level. With no added VOCs, our water-based paint finishes have very minimal odour - completely safe to use around little ones and pets.
Are VOCs only found in paint?
You can find VOCs in exterior and interior paint as well as a whole range of household products. There are VOCs in cleaning products and soap, carpets and furnishings. Drying clothes and cooking food can also emit VOCs into the environment.
How to reduce your VOC exposure in the home
There are many ways to limit your exposure to VOCs around the home. The key to many options is to keep your space well-ventilated, for example:
- Store paint in an outdoor storage area such as a shed or garage.
- Keep areas where you dry laundry well-ventilated.
- Use an extractor fan while cooking, or open kitchen windows.
- Switch to low or no VOC cleaning products.
Are VOCs in paint harmful?
The levels of VOCs in paint and other household products will not usually cause us any health problems. However sufferers of asthma may find paint fumes cause irritation.
If you are worried about inhaling VOCs, simply opening a window will improve the indoor air quality. Fresh air will help to reduce the VOC content in the air.
How do VOCs in paint affect the environment?
When exposed to air, products containing VOCs quickly release these compounds into the wider environment.
Learn more about our Eco-Friendly Greene Credentials.
Do VOCs in paint go away?
Dry paint can also emit VOCs up to five years after painting. At Little Greene, we have worked to reduce the VOC content in our paint. As part of our dedication to protecting the planet, our VOC levels are the lowest possible.
Does all paint contain VOCs?
All paints do contain some level of VOC content. But at Little Greene, our water-based paints contain the lowest possible VOC content.
Whilst they are renowned for their longevity and smooth finish, traditional paints that are oil and solvent-based often have a higher VOC content. This aspect is what causes their strong paint smell.
Recommended low VOC paint finishes
Our water-based range of Intelligent Paints is a low odour, environmentally friendly, low VOC paint option. These finishes require no specialist solvents or cleansers; simply rinse brushes in clean water.
Absolute Matt Emulsion is our flattest paint finish, with a barely-there sheen of 2%. It too has minimal VOCs and almost no odour. Thanks to our latest eco-upgrade, Absolute Matt Emulsion is now made with 40% recycled content.
Additionally, we have reformulated our oil-based range using sustainable vegetable oils, without compromising on a superb finish.