VOC-free paints come in many shades of green

Thanks to consumers who are chemically sensitive, paint companies are changing their image.

Laurie Tamm, of Boulder, CO, has experienced sensitivities from immediate exposure to toxic chemicals such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in household paint. For 20 years, Tamm has experienced headaches, depression, and anxiety just by walking through a newly-built building. "If anyone is going to start the trend (of using nontoxic paint), it has to start with people like me," Tamm reports to the Honolulu Advertiser.

VOCs in household paint don't affect the chemically sensitive alone. Children are especially vulnerable. Paints vary in type and frequency of VOCs. Some compounds in VOCs are associated with cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that paints with high levels of VOCs can cause dizziness, vision problems, headaches, and other problems, depending on which chemicals are in the paint.

How can you tell which paints are VOC free? A simple sniff test. If the paint smells like chemicals, it's not something you want to paint with. Carl Minchew, director of color technology at Benjamin Moore in Montvale, N.J. says, "If something smells pungent, or if it burns your nose or your eyes, you know that's probably not something you want to paint with."

Which companies sell low VOC and no VOC paint? AFM's Safecoat brand has been in the non-toxic paint business for 25 years. Sherwin Williams sells Harmony, Home Depot sells Freshaire Choice. Benjamin Moore will soon be selling Natua, a VOC-free paint that will be available in 3,000 colors.