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Low-VOC Interior Paint: Reducing Health Risks for Hawaii Families

 

Honolulu, HI

 

Did you know that fresh paint smell is actually the smell of Volatile Organic Compounds, also known as VOCs? In this article, Hilweh Builders will be specifically covering information on low-VOC paint – an important topic for Hawaii families that seek to reduce health risks in their renovations.

 

THE QUICK SUMMARY

 

VOCs are in paint (and lots of other things) and proven to be bad for your health. Reduce risk of inhaling and exposure to VOCs by (1) choosing low VOC interior paint and (2) prioritizing ventilation. Hire a trusted contractor such as Hilweh Builders for your next project to plan accordingly for family safe building practices.

 

What are VOCs?

 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals (i.e. benzene, formaldehyde and toluene) found in many household products, including conventional paints and finishes. The World Health Organization has extensively detailed the dangers of these chemicals, particularly in building materials like paints.

 

One main reason these organic chemicals are dangerous is because they evaporate easily at room temperature, releasing fumes that can be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Even more worrisome, is that the effects of VOC exposure can be particularly concerning for pregnant women and children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable.

 

According to the EPA, studies have found that levels of VOCs can average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. For example, certain activities, such as paint stripping, indoor VOC levels may be 1,000 times more than they would be if performed outdoors. That's why it's so important to make informed decisions about what you are putting on your walls.

 

Side Tip: VOCs are in interior paint and lots of other building materials. We are only focusing on interior paint in this article, but please note VOCs are common in flooring, cabinetry and other products that “off-gas” chemicals.

 

What are the health risks of VOCs in Paint?

 

The severity of the effects depends on several factors, including the type and amount of VOCs in the paint, the level of exposure, and individual factors like pre-existing health conditions and age.

 

Children and pregnant women should be especially cautious around freshly painted areas and ensure proper ventilation to minimize exposure. VOCs can cross the placenta and as children’s bodies are developing, their organs are more vulnerable to damage from toxins.

 

Health Risks:

 

• Short-term effects:

  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation

  • Headaches, dizziness, nausea

  • Fatigue, loss of coordination

  • Skin irritation

 

• Long-term effects:

  • Respiratory problems, including asthma and allergies

  • Damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system

  • Increased risk of cancer

 

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

SBS is a term denoted by the EPA for situations where occupants experience health effects linked to time spent in a building. Poor indoor air quality, often due to high VOC levels after remodeling, can contribute to SBS.

 

What to look for when shopping low-VOC paint?

 

VOC CONTENT

Look for paints labeled as "low-VOC" (typically below 50 g/L) or even "zero-VOC" (less than 5 g/L). However, remember that even zero-VOC claims might not apply to tinting colors, so inquire about the pigment VOCs too. g/L stands for grams per liter. It's a unit of measurement that tells you how many grams of VOCs are present in each liter of paint.

 

• Varying Levels of VOC in Paint

  • High VOC (250-380 g/L)

  • Moderate VOC (50-250 g/L)

  • Low VOC (less than 50 g/L)

  • No VOC (less than 5 g/L)

 

• Scrutinize the VOC content listed on the paint label, considering both the base paint and potential colorant additions

 

• Opt for water-based paints whenever possible, as they typically have lower VOCs than oil-based paint

 

• Flat finishes generally have lower VOCs compared to non-flat finishes like satin or semi-gloss.

 

CERTIFICATIONS

Seek out certifications like Greenguard Gold, Green Seal, or the EPA's Recommended Private Sector Standards/Ecolabels. Certifications act as trusted third-party validations for low-VOC paint claims.

 

 

BRANDS

We searched the internet for popular brands used in Hawaii to find which ones offer low or zero VOC options. However, please note that we have not used all of these products and suggest that you perform your own research or consult with your contractor or painting professional for more information.

 

Sherwin Williams: Link to Sustainability Product Listing.

 

We use Sherwin Willimas on many of our projects and like that they have an easy to reference Sustainability Product Listing where you can download Certificates from Greenguard.  

 

• Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex

  • Greenguard Gold

  • This is a product Hilweh Builders has used on many interior renovation projects and found to be easy to apply and low odor. We overall recommend this product.

 

• ProMar 200 Zero VOC Interior Latex

  • Greenguard Gold

 

Benjamin Moore & Co: Link to their Informational Page

 

• AURA Bath & Spa – Matte

  • Marked as zero VOC, could not locate certification.

 

• Eco Spec

  •  Green Seal Certified

 

BEHR: Link to Zero-VOC Products

 

• Premium Plus Interior Paint & Primer

  • Greenguard Gold

 

Valspar: Link to Interior Paints & Primers

 

• Reserve Interior Paint + Primer

  • Greenguard Gold

• Signature Interior Paint + Primer

  • Greenguard Gold

 

Things to consider:

 

Off-gasing

Warmer and more humid environments such as in Hawaii generally lead to faster VOC off-gasing. The highest levels of VOC off-gasing occur in the first few hours and days after painting. This is because the paint is actively curing and drying, releasing the trapped VOCs. Off-gasing gradually decreases over time, but it can continue for weeks or even months at lower levels. Unfortunately, Certifications such as Green Seal don’t provide a universal timeframe for how long VOC exposure lasts after painting. This is because various factors influence the off-gasing rate.

 

Cost

Low-VOC paints can be slightly more expensive than traditional options, but the health and environmental benefits may outweigh the cost difference for many homeowners.

 

Availability

Low-VOC options may not be as readily available at all paint stores, but major brands and eco-friendly retailers offer a growing selection.

 

Application

Some low-VOC paints may have slightly different application properties than traditional paints. Reading the manufacturer's instructions and using proper ventilation is important.

 

Disposal

Safely dispose of unused products.

 

Prioritize ventilation

Ensure proper ventilation during and after painting to minimize any remaining VOC emissions. Open windows and allow for as much cross-ventilation as possible during and after a project.

 

Environmental impact

Low-VOC paints often contain fewer harmful chemicals and contribute to a lower environmental footprint during production and use.

 

Performance

Advancements in technology have led to high-performing low-VOC paints that offer excellent coverage, durability, and aesthetic appeal, comparable to traditional options.

 

Exterior Options

This article covers interior paint. Note that exterior paint is a whole other discussion. Exterior options are more limited when it comes to low VOC paint. If you have an exterior project and want to discuss paint options with us in more detail, feel free to contact us.

 

Hilweh Builders Practices

 

We promise open communication and transparency as we believe in building trust and ensuring a safe and healthy renovation experience for everyone involved. We always prioritize the health and comfort of families during any renovation project.

 

Communicate openly and honestly

We discuss the use of low VOC paint with you and explain the reasons why it's important. Inform you about any potential residual odors or off-gassing, even with low VOC paints and plan for timing of painting accordingly.

 

Choose Safe Products

Select paints with the lowest possible VOC content (ideally zero VOC certified). Look for certifications like Greenguard Gold or Green Seal.

 

Ventilation

When possible, open windows and add a fan to pull the indoor air outside while using products with VOCs. Increasing the amount of fresh air in your home will help reduce the concentration of VOCs indoors.

 

Side Note: Feedback is mixed regarding dry time of low VOC paint and if it’s longer or shorter than regular paint. Some argue that if dry times are faster in low VOC paints, the product may contain other harmful chemicals. The bottom line is ventilation is key and paint is never “healthy” – all we can do is reduce risks.

 

Minimize exposure

We suggest limiting the time family members spend in renovated areas, especially during and immediately after painting. Allow for ample drying time before reoccupying spaces.

 

Prepare the Space

Our recommendation is to remove all personal belongings before renovating, but if not possible, we suggest covering furniture and belongings with plastic sheeting to minimize paint dust and splatter. Hilweh Builders seals off rooms not being painted to prevent contaminating other areas.

 

Follow manufacturer's instructions

We apply paint according to the manufacturer's guidelines for ventilation, drying times, and application methods.

 

Clean effectively

Our team will clean up thoroughly daily and after painting. We use wet cloths or mops instead of dry sweeping to avoid stirring up dust. Also, we practice proper disposal methods of paint, paint rags and other construction materials.

 

Contact Us

 

Hilweh Builders is a licensed, bonded and insured family-owned Honolulu general contractor providing construction and design build solutions. As part of our ALOHA Values, we have committed ourselves to family safe building practices. We are taking action on our values by researching, learning and providing valuable resources to our customer and community regarding building material options that are safer for Hawaii families during renovations.

 

Contact Hilweh Builders today to discuss your next renovation project and incorporating low VOC paints. There is much more to learn on the journey to our vision of becoming Oahu’s premier family safe building partner. Stay tuned as we release more information to help you and your family with your next renovation project!

 

FREE CONSULTATIONS

 

Hilweh Builders

Chad Hilweh

chad@hilwehbuilders.com

808-220-5007

 

 

RESOURCES

 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 

https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/identifying-greener-paints-and-coatings

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/careforyourair.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/sick_building_factsheet.pdf

 

World Health Organization WHO

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789289002134

 

Greenguard

https://www.ul.com/insights/what-does-greenguard-certified-mean

 

Green Seal

https://greenseal.org/

https://greenseal.org/standards/gs-11-paints-coatings-stains-and-sealers/

https://greenseal.org/guide-to-vocs-in-paint-and-cleaning-products/

 

American Lung Association

https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds

https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/protecting-from-air-pollution/ventilation

 

DISCLAIMER

 

Informational Content Only

 

The content provided by Hilweh Builders is for informational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. We are not healthcare professionals, and our content is based on personal experiences and research. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee completeness or timeliness. By using this blog, you acknowledge your responsibility for your health. We disclaim any liability for adverse effects from the information provided.