Solvent-based paints have a larger environmental impact than water-based paints due to their VOC emissions. VOCs evaporate during and after painting to form ground-level ozone, a major air pollutant. In addition to irritating the eyes and respiratory system in humans, ozone damages plants and accelerates paint deterioration. It is also a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. However, advances in resin technology have led to low-VOC paints that reduce environmental toxins and are a safer, cost-effective alternative for both homeowners and contractors.

1. The Impact of
VOC Paints to
Humans and the
Environment Global Decorating
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2. Paint affects the environment in various ways. In particular, traditional painting
materials and processes have a large environmental impact, including those that
use lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other additives.

3. Understanding VOC and Its Effects
There are two major types of paint: water-based paints and solvent-based
ones. The second one is the more conventional type of paint, and has a bigger
impact on the environment than the latter. It is a source of VOC—a certain
type of substance that easily evaporates in the air to form harmful vapors.
When evaporating, the solvents in the paint release VOCs into the
atmosphere; it reacts with oxygen to form “bad” ozone.

4. This ozone is a major irritant. It causes eye, nose, and throat irritations,
and can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and even asthmatic
symptoms. On top of that, “bad” ozone can also damage plants, trees, and
bushes. Because it has a corrosive effect, it can accelerate the
deterioration and fading of certain paints as well.
Perhaps the biggest upshot of VOC, though,is global warming. To be more
specific, the compounds play a significant role in the creation of the
greenhouse effect.

5. The paints, however, do not have much durability and do not flow or level as
well as traditional ones. Now, thanks to the advances in resin technology, the green
paint products today flow and level better.
In general, conventional oil-based paints are the most toxic. Although there are
other types of paint that are safer (e.g. latex), they can still contain high levels of
VOCs.
Many painting contractors, as well as home and businesses owners choose low-VOC
paints because they are a quality, cost-effective option that is safe for both them
and the environment.
Low VOC Paints and Advances in Resin
Technology
Because of the rising awareness about
VOC-containing paint, some manufacturers
have produced green-friendly paints with
low levels of VOC. These new generation
paints reduce toxins for everyone, including
those with allergies and chemical
sensitivities. They also reduce landfill,
groundwater, and ozone-depleting
contaminants.

6. RESOURCES:
Global Decorating- http://www.globaldecorating.com.au/
Green Painters- http://www.greenpainters.org.au/Consumer-Information/Low-VOC-
Paints.htm
Consumer Reports- http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2008/04/what-are-
vocs-in-paint-and-is-more-or-less-of-them-better/index.htm