I’ve often heard that the easiest and cheapest way to update a room is with a can of paint. With the fumes from most paints, it’s not always been the greenest option.

Many paints, especially oil-based paints, have VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are what causes the “new paint smell.” Exposure to VOC can trigger asthma attacks, cause eye and throat irritation, nausea and headaches. Long term exposure can lead to cancer.

But right now there are lots of nontoxic paint options available. They are called low  or no VOC paints. And they don’t cost that much more than regular paints.

One way to make sure your paint is non-toxic is to look for the Green Seal. This  organization has tougher restrictions on VOCs in paint than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.)

Lowe’s carries Olympic Paints, which have zero VOCs, and cost the same as regular cans of paint.

Sherwin-Williams has adopted a GreenSure seal for some of its paints, and their Harmony paints are eco-friendly. This  does cost a little more.

Benjamin Moore now offers Green Promise paints.

At Home Depot, you can find Freshaire and Behr Premium Plus.

If these paints, or stores aren’t available, you can order online. I’ve also heard that the lighter your color choices, the lower the VOCs.

We used the Behr Premium Plus with primer in our rooms. The smell wasn’t overpowering at all, but we did have to use two coats. Since we paid extra for the primer plus paint, I was bummed. We were trying to cover a moss green color with pale blue, though. But the second coat fixed the spots.

Next time we paint, I think I’ll try either Freshaire or Olympic Paints.

Have you had good or bad experiences with low or no VOC paints? Please let me know!