Volatile Organic Compounds
Natural Paints and Finishes are paints made from all-natural ingredients like water, plant resins and dyes, natural minerals like clay or talcum, natural latex and bees' wax, for example. Those that are water-based will give off almost no odor. The oil-based products typically have a fragrance similar to some aromatherapy products. These paints are generally the safest for you and the environment."Zero VOC" paints actually contain VOC's, but in the range of 5 grams/litre or less, according to the EPA definition. Adding a tint for color will usually bring the VOC's up to around 10 grams/liter, however this is still considered very low.
Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a base instead of solvents. The quantity of harmful vapors is therefore much lower than solvent-based finishes of the same type. These certified products must only contain very low levels, if any, heavy metals or formaldehyde. To meet the EPA certification, paints or stains must not contain more than 200 grams/litre of any VOC's. Certified varnishes cannot have in excess of 300 grams/liter. (This information can be easily found on the can labels.) In general, paints in this category do not exceed 50-150 grams per litre, depending on how glossy the paint is. Products of this type will still give off an odor until they have dried.