What Are VOC's?

In recent years people our becoming more conscious of what exactly is in the products we use and the effects it has on our body and the Earth. Since it's spring people are getting out and starting their home improvement projects. Most people prefer painting in the nice weather when they can air out their home from the harsh smell of paint. But what is in the paint that gives off that strong odor.

VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds):

VOC's are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. These compounds include many chemicals that can result in short or long term health effects. VOC's have been known to be ten times higher indoors compared to outdoors. Thousands of products contain these harsh chemicals such as paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, furnishings, office equipment, adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. These chemicals are used in all these products and can release organic compounds while your using them and even when there stored, they can emit harmful gasses to some degree.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) did a study called the "Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM)", (Volume I through IV, completed in 1985). In the study they found out that many commonly known organic compounds were 2 to 5 times higher in homes rather than outdoors, regardless if it was in a industrial or rural area. The study also found that people that use products containing VOC's expose themselves and everyone around them to high pollutant levels and the higher concentrations stay in the air long after the activity is complete.
(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html)

Although this information is alarming, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of VOC's in your home. More and more Earth-Friendly products are on the shelves at your local stores. It's all about reading labels and educating yourself on the ingredients in the products you buy. One of the easiest and more cost effective way to reduce VOC's in your home is to paint your walls. Most local hardware stores sell either low or zero VOC paint in just about any color you want. When you cover up the old paint with the new paint it seals and traps the VOC's in the wall, making your environment safer for you. The low or zero VOC paint is just as good quality as any other paint only it doesn't have that overpowering smell in fact it's virtually odorless.

I painted my room last fall and I loved using Zero VOC paint. The paint didn't smell, it wasn't overpowering. I ordered my paint online from mythic paint, which had a wide selection of colors. It applied just like any other paint would and was fast drying. I would recommend this paint to anyone.

Help make your environment a safer place for you and others around you. Pay attention to what's in the products you buy. Know your ingredients. The next time you paint use low or zero VOC paint. With these simple steps you can help reverse the amount of VOC's being emitted into the air making our environment a better place to live in.