VOC, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are chemicals found in solvent-based paints and in small quantities in many water-based paints and coatings
. They serve various purposes, such as:
- Acting as the medium to transfer the paint from the container to the surface
- Preserving the paint in the can, preventing it from spoiling
- Requirements for specialist properties, such as rust prevention
VOCs can evaporate from the paint, which is why decorating areas should be well-ventilated
. Excessive exposure to VOCs can have negative effects on health and the environment, but modern decorating coatings have controlled VOC levels to protect users
. There are several types of paints available with varying VOC content:
- Low-VOC Paint : Contains less than 50 grams per liter of VOCs
- No-VOC Paint : Contains no VOCs, but it may still contain other toxic compounds
- Standard VOC Paint : Contains higher levels of VOCs, which can be more environmentally damaging
Water-based paints are generally considered safer to use indoors and don't generally cause issues from off-gassing
. Most VOCs from paint release within the first six months after application, but sometimes this can last for longer
