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Make sure to ventilate, ventilate, ventilate!
Hemera/ThinkstockKey Points
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are harmful chemicals found in many household paints. They release gases during and after painting, which can lead to health issues like dizziness and headaches.
- The concentration of VOCs indoors can be up to 1,000 times greater than outdoors while painting, but you can reduce this by using low-VOC or no-VOC paints and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Good ventilation and the type of paint used play a major role in how long VOCs linger in the air. In some newly built homes, VOCs can remain toxic for months due to various sources of these compounds.
The term organic usually has a positive connotation when seen on product labels. However, when it comes to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it’s something you'd rather avoid if you're aiming for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. These chemicals are present in a variety of household products, and exposure can be particularly harmful to children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. They aren’t ideal for healthy adults either.
House paint is one of the most common sources of volatile organic compounds, but luckily, it's also one of the easiest to avoid. Simply ask your local paint shop to guide you to the low-VOC options and check the labels for reassurance.
In house paint, VOCs are released into the air as the paint dries on the walls. Once in the air, these gases can lead to dizziness or headaches. The amount of VOCs released depends on the type of paint used. Indoor VOC levels can be 50 percent higher than outdoor levels, but during painting or stripping, they can rise by as much as 500 to 1,000 times the concentration of clean outdoor air.
The duration that VOCs stay in the air depends on ventilation during and after painting, as well as the VOC content in the paint. They decrease gradually over time, but using a fan and keeping windows open will help clear the air of these harmful fumes. Experts can't give a definitive timeline, but new homes with multiple sources of VOCs have been known to remain "toxic" for months after construction.
If you're only painting one room in your home, ensure good ventilation during the process, and the room should be fine in about a day. Avoid sleeping in rooms painted recently, or even better, opt for low- or no-VOC paints to eliminate the concern altogether.
