Zero VOC refers to building materials, particularly paints, with minimal indoor volatile organic compounds. The term does not mean the complete absence of such compounds, but rather a level per liter that meets government standards. Synthetic materials are the main source of VOCs. Zero VOC paint can contain up to 5 grams per liter of VOCs, while adding color pigments can increase it to 10 grams per liter. Zero VOC paints are considered safer than non-zero VOC paints. Low VOC and low odor paints are alternatives. Other products, such as office machines and pesticides, can also emit VOCs.
The term Zero VOC is short for zero volatile organic compounds and mainly refers to certain types of building materials. It is most commonly used to refer to paints, paint strippers, and other solvents, as these are considered to be among the largest sources of indoor volatile organic compounds. The use of the word zero does not mean the complete absence of such compounds, but rather a level per liter that meets minimum standards set by the government.
Volatile organic compounds can occur both naturally and from synthetic materials. Most of the regulations that set Zero VOC standards refer to synthetic materials. In the United States, a paint product can be classified as Zero VOC if it contains quantities of volatile organic compounds equal to or less than 5 grams per liter of paint. Adding color pigments to Zero VOC paint can increase the amount of volatile organic compounds up to 10 grams per litre. Zero VOC paint may also contain other potentially harmful compounds; however, even at levels of 10 grams per litre, it is considered a much safer alternative to non-zero VOC paints.
A wide variety of commercially available paints are labeled by manufacturers as Zero VOC. Flat latex, semi-gloss, acrylic, and enamels are just a few of the variety of paint types included. Both interior and exterior paints can be Zero VOC.
Interest in reducing volatile organic compounds has grown with concerns about air quality, especially indoor air quality. The solvents in paint, which are needed for the color pigment to adhere to the painted surface, are a major source of volatile organic compounds. To develop Zero VOC paints, manufacturers switched to water-based solvents instead of solvents based on acetones, ethyl acetates and glycol ethers.
It is important to monitor VOC levels, as exposure to compounds can contribute to a variety of adverse health conditions. Immediate problems may include eye and throat irritation, headache, or nausea. Volatile organic compounds can also trigger an attack in asthma sufferers. There may also be more serious implications if an individual is exposed to the compounds for longer periods of time; these include kidney disease, liver disease and cancer.
There are alternatives to Zero VOC paints which include Low VOC and Low Odor paints. For low VOC paints, the allowable volatile organic compound per liter of paint is higher than Zero VOC, at 250 grams per liter and 380 grams per liter respectively for latex and oil based paints. It is the presence of the compounds that causes the unpleasant odor that drying varnish can sometimes emit.
The US Environmental Protection Agency points out that many products other than paints can also emit volatile organic compounds. Among these additional sources are a variety of office machines, such as printers and copiers; some furnishings; everyday items such as markers and glue; and pesticides. Reducing the number of VOC-emitting materials and keeping indoor areas well ventilated are two actions recommended by the EPA.
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