Ok, we're building a new home and need to paint it all ourselves. Builder does nothing, not even primer!

I want to use zero-VOC or at least low-VOC paints but I've been getting a lot of flack from people around me. Of course, no one is truly informed on the matter and just assuming that modern latex paints are so safe that it's not worth going any further. Basically that it's just an unnecessary extreme, especially that we won't be living in the home for at least a couple of weeks after it's painted, therefore most of the fumes will be gone anyway.

Now, I've done some research that says this isn't true, that more than 50% of the VOCs are still off-gasing a year after painting. But then the response I've gotten to that is that this may be true but if the quantity is tiny to begin with, does that really matter?

Now, I am willing to pay extra for a 'greener' paint, especially that I'm really trying to limit the exposure my 4 children get to toxic chemicals. But I do want to know that I'm paying for something that's significant. Speaking of $$, how much extra can I actually expect to pay for low or zero VOC paint?

I really want to arm myself with as much info as possible before actually going out to paint stores so any information, advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Karen.

Karen, its all relative when you are talking about green products and sustainable materials. Regular paints, especially alcohol and oil based paints off-gas over a very very long period of time. Latex paints are a bit safer, but they still off-gas. Fumes are simply denser concentrations that you are more sensitive to. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean that its not there.

You bring up a good point about children as well. A child is more susceptible to VOCs than an adult. This is due to their stage of development and the fact that their bodies (mass) is smaller.

Money is always a sticking point for people though. Low and No-VOC paints will cost you a bit more. It shouldn't be ridiculously more expensive, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-20% more, but with more and more paint manufacturers recognizing the demand, you may be able to find a better deal.

You make the argument that you want to be paying for something significant. While the significance may not be everything you are hoping for (ie a paint job changing your life) if everyone took these small steps and took others afterwards, then the impact would be very significant and profound.

My mother is older and has respiratory problems. I recently repainted her house and used No-VOC paint (I will keep the manufacturer to myself) and I can't say enough good things about the product.

My mother stayed in the home and even said if she didn't hear me stomping around, she wouldn't have known that someone was painting her house. The coverage was great and everything looks great.

I say if you are even thinking about going with low or no VOC paint products, just take the leap and do it. You will be happy in the end.