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Choosing non-toxic, zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint is important when painting a room in your house, particularly if you have children or if anyone in your family is sensitive to chemicals. VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature, and they are commonly found in many traditional paints. (You know that strong new paint smell? That’s the VOCs).
These chemicals can have adverse health effects when inhaled or exposed to the skin, making them especially concerning for children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxins in their environment. Fortunately, there are options for zero VOC paints that use sustainable ingredients and don’t pose these hazards.
Why Are VOCs Especially Dangerous to Kids?
Children have developing immune systems and respiratory systems, as their bodies are still growing and developing. This makes them more susceptible to potential health risks associated with VOC exposure.
Inhalation of VOCs can lead to a bunch of short-term and long-term health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, allergies, asthma exacerbation, and even more severe respiratory problems. Some VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are classified as carcinogenic and can pose long-term health risks to growing kids.
How to Avoid VOCs
If you choose a non-toxic, zero VOC paint, you can significantly reduce the exposure of your children, yourself, and your entire family to these chemicals. Non-toxic paints are made without hazardous solvents and chemicals commonly found in traditional paints.
They eliminate (if it’s a zero VOC paint) or greatly reduce (low VOC pants) their VOC emissions. This means there will be fewer harmful substances released into the air during and after your painting process, leading to improved indoor air quality.
Good indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment, especially in homes where kiddos spend a significant amount of time.
7 Best Zero VOC Paint Brands
Here are some of the very best zero VOC paint brands you can use when painting a room in your home to keep your living environment as clean and non-toxic as possible.
1. Clare Paint
Clare is an online paint company that you order paint from to get delivered to your door. I have painted four rooms in my house with Clare’s zero VOC paint, and I’m a huge fan. It goes onto walls beautifully and smoothly, and they sell plenty of painting accessories (painter’s tape, rollers, brushes, etc.).
Clare makes some of the best zero VOC paints that are formulated without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, and phthalates. They also place a strong emphasis on color selection and making the paint buying process easier and more enjoyable.
Clare offers a curated collection of on-trend paint colors to help customers find the perfect shade, which I find makes choosing a color about ten thousand times easier than looking through the (way too many) shades from other companies and driving myself insane. Less is more when it comes to paint colors, and Clare simplifies the process.
2. Benjamin Moore “Ben” Paint
I just painted my upstairs hallway with Benjamin Moore’s gorgeous “Wickham Gray,” and I didn’t smell any fumes or feel dizzy at all, even after hours (and hours!) of painting. I was pleased to find out that Benjamin Moore’s less expensive “Ben” brand (about $40 for a gallon) was in fact a zero VOC paint.
This healthy paint went on easily, and after two coats (which includes primer, by the way), it looks amazing on my walls, which have gone from a dingy pale yellow to a gorgeous light grey that makes my second floor look brand new! I am super happy that this zero VOC paint is available in Ace Hardware and other Benjamin Moore brand carrying stores, so you don’t have to go hunting high and low for it.
3. Ecos Paints
Ecos paints are a great alternative to the traditional paints out there. What makes this water-based, zero VOC paint special is that it’s made from natural and sustainable ingredients, which means it’s less harmful to the environment and our health.
These paints come in a wide range of vibrant colors (there are about fifty different shades to choose from), so you don’t have to compromise on your hue options in exchange for going natural with your paint selection.
4. AFM Safecoat
AFM Safecoat paint is an award-winning option you should know about when it comes to eco-friendly and safe painting options. These paints are specifically formulated to minimize harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be released into the air during and after painting.
In addition, as AFM explains it, zero VOC products can still contain unregulated ingredients called Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). Because of this, all AFM paint products are not only VOC-free, but also HAPs-free. This paint won’t contribute to any indoor pollution.
What sets AFM Safecoat apart is their commitment to creating products that are low in toxicity and allergens, making them suitable for individuals with chemical sensitivities or allergies. These paints are designed to provide excellent coverage, durability, and a wide variety of colors to choose from. That said, these awesome paints are available only in specific stores, which you can look for here based on where you live.
5. Green Planet Paints
Green Planet is one of the best zero VOC paint brands that prioritizes sustainability, eco-friendliness, and people’s health. These paints are designed to minimize the negative impact on the environment and human health throughout their lifecycle.
Green Planet’s paints are made using natural, renewable, and non-toxic ingredients, such as plant oils, natural resins, mineral pigments, and water-based solvents. They avoid environmentally unfriendly petroleum in their paint products (which many of the larger paint brands still use)
Green Planet healthy paints are packaged in eco-friendly containers and manufactured using sustainable practices. These paints are a popular choice for individuals and businesses looking for a more eco-friendly and healthier alternative to traditional paints. They run for about $65 for a gallon of eggshell zero VOC paint, which is pretty average in terms of cost, and they offer a few dozen vibrant color options.
6. Behr Premium Plus Interior Paint
Behr Premium Plus Interior Paint is another high quality, zero VOC paint option designed for interior surfaces. It stands out for its low odor formula, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to strong paint fumes and for kids’ rooms. This paint offers excellent coverage, providing a smooth and durable finish on walls, ceilings, and trim.
Behr’s zero VOC paint is available in a wide range of colors. Its easy application and quick drying time make it a convenient choice for both DIY and professional painters, and it will provide lasting color and stain protection to your indoor walls.
7. Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams has some of the loveliest paint shades (with tons and tons of color options that have threatened to drive me to the brink of insanity), and its ProMar 200 line is one of the best zero VOC paint brands known for its durability and excellent coverage.
This non-toxic paint is formulated to be easy to apply, offering good flow and leveling properties, which helps achieve a smooth and uniform appearance on your walls, trim, and ceilings.
ProMar 200 is known for its low odor and zero VOC content, contributing to improved indoor air quality as you paint. Sherwin Williams makes another zero VOC paint line called Harmony, which is also Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and will run you about $75 a gallon.
Switch to Zero VOC Paint for a Healthier Indoor Environment
Zero VOC paint is the way to go if you want to reduce the toxins in your indoor spaces during your next painting project. Not only does the best non-toxic paint contribute to better indoor air quality by reducing harmful emissions, but it also safeguards your health and the well-being of those around you.
Choosing a zero VOC paint ensures that you can enjoy your freshly painted spaces without compromising on your commitment to the environment or your personal health. With an increasing number of high-quality zero VOC paint options available on the market, it has never been easier to transform your space while minimizing your ecological footprint.
