Paint and coatings manufacturers are now making safer products than they did 10 years ago. However, be aware of labels that claim to have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs evaporate into the environment and cause photochemical smog which is why our government has created rules restricting the production and use of these chemicals. However, low or no VOCs should NOT be equated with health, safety or 'non-toxic'. Why not? Because VOCs are only part of the total number of chemicals in a can of paint or finish. Most paints and finishes contain other chemicals which are not classified as VOCs or have been de-regulated but they may still be harmful to your health.

This article discusses what some paint companies don't want you to know about their paint.

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The term 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) was coined in the late 1970's to describe situations where building occupants experience acute health problems. Although these experiences were linked to time spent in a building, no specific illness or cause could be defined. This was the first time national attention was given to indoor air quality as a major health issue.

SBS typically results from poor building design, old malfunctioning HVAC systems, remodeling projects or various occupant activities. Numerous and specific causes have been identified and defined by many organizations in great detail over the last few decades.

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Invoking the Precautionary Principle with regard to Antimicrobials

Like many synthetic chemicals that promise something better, there is growing evidence that antimicrobial additives do not improve human health. They may also have a negative impact on our environment.

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Whatever the problem, we likely have a solution.

Here's a list of products, organized by the problems they conquer. If you don't find what you're looking for, we'll be happy to consult by phone.

For quick reference, click on your area of interest in the list to the right.

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Wherever possible and appropriate, we incorporate surface sealing properties into AFM Safecoat products such as paints and clear finishes. Many chemically sensitive individuals have successfully controlled off-gassing materials using Safecoat, to the extent that they can tolerate environments that were intolerable before.

Every indoor air quality problem, and every surface, is different, so there are no guarantees. But follow these basic rules and critical steps for the best chance of success:

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Part 1: A shocking look at how chemicals are tested in the US

Part 2: Tips on how to choose safer products.

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Q: I have finished dresser with VOC 2.1lbs/gal sealer--is this low? The sealer and lacquer are Valspar Premium WW Satin Lacquer and Valspar Sanding Sealer. Is it ok to put dry finished dresser in an infant's room? I'd like to avoid chemical off-gassing. Thanks!
—asked by Elizabeth, Sacramento, CA

A: Wood sealers can be water-based or oil-based and both can contain volatile organic compounds. How much is acceptable to the government and how much is acceptable to you and your infant may be two different things. Most people wish to avoid VOCs altogether, if possible, as they tend to continue emitting nasty fumes for weeks, months or even years.

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Q: We are trying to determine the best exterior paint criteria for selecting a paint manufacturer. Thinking of using an acrylic latex paint. Exterior color is a dark color. Performance is an issue as well as cost but getting a grasp about the criteria is what we're after.
— asked by Daniel, Portland, OR

A: Good question Daniel. Given all the different brands of paint, it’s no wonder that choosing quality paint is challenging, even for professionals. Not only does each manufacturer create different lines of paint within each brand, but each application is so different it demands specialized knowledge that can only be discovered through good research and reputable paint companies. Where do you start?

Here are some basic rules of thumb for choosing the right paint. Below them is some technical paint jargon that will help you ask the right questions.

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Green Building Supply is happy to announce the availability of Ecos paints — one of the world's safest best-performing paints with the most transparent credentials to prove it!

See ECOS products from Green Building Supply

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8 Solutions to the Most Common Paint Problems

Including real-life examples from our customers.

This applies to most water-based paint, stains, finishes, and coatings.

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Q: Has anyone used Kelly Moore's zero voc paint products and had reactions to them? I used Kelly Moore zero VOC paint in my empty condo and 8 days later, after having fans running 24/7 with all windows/patio door open, I cannot be in there for 5 minutes without a severe reaction with headaches, nausea and brain-fog. I can't find out what is in the paint that may be causing this. Have you tested Kelly Moore's zero voc paint and/or do other people have problems with their products?
— asked by Susan, Richardson, TX

A: While I have not used Kelly Moore's zero VOC paint, we receive countless phone calls just like yours from people using almost all brands of zero voc paint. “How can this be, they ask? I thought zero VOC meant it was safe and non-toxic?” Here are two possible answers.

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Q: Can butcher block kitchen wood countertops be permanently sealed (waterproofed) and safely? (Not with oils but a true waterproof seal?) The house is 112 years old. The countertops were installed by the previous owners.
—Asked by Karen,Tacoma, WA

A: Repairability is the new sustainability.
Your question is a good one that requires a little background about sealers. There are basically two types of sealers: penetrating and topical. As the name suggests, a penetrating sealer soaks into the substrate (wood, concrete, etc.) and seals the pores from the inside. Once it cures, moisture cannot enter and thus you have a waterproof seal.

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Q: What are the best green products to use when repainting kitchen cabinets? The cabinets are being stripped first because they've been painted several times.
—Asked by Angela Gill, Columbus, OH

A: That's a simple question, but the answer requires some basic info about strippers, paint and sealers.

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Q: Oil Based to Water based? Hello, I would like to repaint my dining room, however I have been informed that the wood-paneled walls in the room have been previously painted with an oil-based paint. I am only comfortable using water-based products in my house and specifically, those with low or NO VOC's and chemicals. I am pregnant and have a toddler as well. My painter has informed me that there is no way to paint over oil-based paint without using an oil-based primer or some similar product. Is this true? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
—Asked by Erica Pitman, Los Angeles, CA

A: Your painter is partially correct.

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Q: We are refinishing our white oak floors and want to use the safest and most durable materials. Street Shoe? Bonakemi? Rubio monocoat? We have boys and a dog and have not found anyone in our area who uses Osmo.
—Asked by Shmuel, Takoma Park, MD

A: To my knowledge, there is no cross testing that shows which product is safest or most durable. However, I have used two of the three plus AFM Safecoat Polyureseal BP, AFM Naturals Oil Wax and Bioshield Aqua Resin Floor Finish and can provide some insight based on my experience.

In our house, our Labrador lived outside, so I can’t say how well these finishes would hold up to dogs, but we entertain 30-40 people each month in our home and had a normal teenage son. We do remove our shoes when we enter the house which helps immensely to keep out dirt and avoid scratching.

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