Is Your House Paint Harmful? How to Choose Safer Zero-VOC Paint

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We’re launching our summer paint series with a focused look at zero VOC paint. For indoor applications, zero VOC paint is our preferred option. Choosing a paint that emits no volatile organic compounds is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality right at the start of a project.

yolo-colorhouse-logo.gifWe are pleased to feature YOLO Colorhouse as the sponsor of this series. YOLO Colorhouse has been producing zero VOC paints since 2005. Their approach is straightforward: formulate premium, environmentally responsible paints and present them in thoughtful, refined color palettes.

Why choose zero VOC paint?
Zero VOC paints are better for people and the planet. If every household in the United States chose zero VOC paint over low-VOC or conventional paints, we could prevent hundreds of millions to nearly a billion pounds of solvent-based chemicals from entering the atmosphere.

What are VOCs?
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. In paints, VOCs often appear as solvents such as ethylene glycol, turpentine, and other thinners. These compounds contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency identifies paint as a major indoor source of VOCs. Because walls and ceilings make up roughly 70% of an interior’s surface area, the choice of paint has a big impact on indoor air quality. Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause eye irritation, throat and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and temporary cognitive effects. Long-term exposure is associated with more serious health consequences, including potential damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Children are especially vulnerable due to their developing bodies and higher breathing rates relative to body size.

YOLO Colorhouse paint carries Green Seal certification, one of the most rigorous third-party standards for safer products. Green Seal’s criteria prohibit the use of thousands of harmful chemical compounds.

Beyond being zero VOC, YOLO Colorhouse paints are formulated without a range of concerning substances, including:
– Carcinogens
– Reproductive toxins
– Mutagens
– Hazardous air pollutants
– Ozone-depleting compounds
– Formaldehyde
– Phthalates

Choosing paints that exclude these chemicals reduces indoor exposure and helps create a healthier living environment, especially for sensitive occupants such as children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.

If you’re ready to switch to zero VOC paints, YOLO Colorhouse occasionally offers promotions to make the transition more affordable. Check the manufacturer’s current announcements for details on seasonal rebates and special promotions.

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