A fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest, fastest ways to change a room. It is also one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution most of us will ever create at home.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest, fastest ways to change a room. It is also one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution most of us will ever create at home. That "new paint smell" comes from chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, evaporating into the air.
The good news is that a few simple choices make indoor painting much more comfortable and safer.
What are VOCs?
The EPA defines volatile organic compounds as gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long term health effects. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, and so do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products.
The EPA notes that these products can release organic compounds while you use them and, to some degree, while they are stored.
Why indoor levels matter
According to the EPA, concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors, up to ten times higher, than outdoors. The agency's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology studies, completed in 1985, found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, whether the homes were in rural or highly industrial areas.
Painting can push levels far higher for a while. The EPA says that during and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels. Elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is finished.
Possible health effects
The EPA lists possible health effects of VOC exposure, including:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
- Damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system at higher exposures
- Some organics can cause cancer in animals, and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans
Among the immediate symptoms some people experience soon after exposure, the EPA mentions eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment.
It is important to keep this in perspective. The EPA notes that health effects vary greatly between chemicals, from highly toxic to no known effect, and depend on the level and length of exposure. It also says that not much is known about the health effects of the levels usually found in homes. The sensible approach is to reduce exposure where it is easy to do so, especially for children, pregnant people and anyone with asthma or chemical sensitivities.
What paint labels mean
Many paints are now sold as "low VOC" or "zero VOC." These labels generally mean the paint contains less of the solvents that evaporate as it dries. A few things are worth knowing:
- Definitions vary. Different manufacturers and certification programs use different thresholds. Look for a recognized third party certification on the can rather than relying on marketing words alone, and check the product's data sheet if you want specifics.
- Tints can add VOCs. Colorants added at the store can change the total, so ask whether the tint system is also low VOC.
- Low VOC is not no smell, no care. Even low VOC paints release some compounds as they cure. Ventilation still matters.
- Read the safety information. The label and safety data sheet explain ventilation needs, drying times and protective steps.
How to paint more safely indoors
The EPA's steps to reduce VOC exposure translate neatly into a paint plan.
1. Ventilate well. The EPA's first recommendation is to increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. Open windows, use a box fan in a window pointed outward to pull air through the room and keep air moving during painting and for a while afterward.
2. Follow label precautions. The EPA advises meeting or exceeding label precautions. If the can says to use in a well ventilated area, take that literally.
3. Time the project. Paint when you can keep windows open, and if possible, avoid sleeping in a freshly painted room the same night.
4. Take breaks. Step outside for fresh air regularly, especially if you notice headaches or dizziness.
5. Keep children and pets away. Keep them out of the room during painting and while the paint dries.
6. Store leftovers carefully. The EPA advises against storing opened containers of unused paint and similar materials indoors where people spend time. Store them in a garage or shed if you can, with lids tightly sealed.
7. Buy only what you need. The EPA suggests buying in quantities you will use soon and safely disposing of unused or little used containers. A good paint calculator and careful measuring help avoid leftovers.
8. Never mix products unless the label tells you to.
Stripping and refinishing
Stripping old paint or varnish is a bigger job. The EPA specifically mentions paint stripping as an activity that can raise VOC levels dramatically. Consider doing small items outdoors, use strong ventilation and protective gear and follow every label instruction.
If your home was built before 1978, old paint may contain lead. The EPA notes that the federal government banned consumer use of lead based paint in 1978, but it is still present in millions of homes. Sanding, scraping or heating it creates hazardous lead dust. Have it tested by a certified professional before you disturb it, and follow the EPA's lead safe work practices or hire a Lead Safe Certified firm.
Planning your color first
Choosing a lower VOC paint is half the decision. The other half is choosing a color you will be happy with so you do not have to paint twice. Our guides to color palette mistakes and why paint looks different on your wall than on the chip can save you a second round.
Beyond paint: other VOC sources
Paint is a big source, but not the only one. The EPA lists many household VOC sources, including cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, glues and adhesives, building materials and furnishings, hobby supplies and dry cleaned clothing. If you are refreshing a room, letting new furniture or flooring air out and ventilating well for the first few days helps too.
And while houseplants are lovely, they will not clear paint fumes; our look at whether houseplants clean indoor air explains why.
The takeaway
Indoor painting releases VOCs that can build up far above outdoor levels for hours. Choose lower VOC paints with recognized certifications, ventilate generously, follow the label, store leftovers outside living spaces and buy only what you need. A little planning lets you enjoy the fresh look without the fumes lingering.
Sources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Consumers. https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-rrp-program-consumers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. How to Make Your Home Lead Safe. https://www.epa.gov/lead/how-make-your-home-lead-safe
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
