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What To Look For

Nothing brightens up a space like a fresh coat of paint, and many consumers are turning to "eco-friendly" paints for both the environmental benefits and also out of concern for their own health. But not all eco-friendly paints are created equal. Here are a few things to look for.

Type

Opt for latex paints, if you have to buy a synthetic paint. The majority of household paints today are either alkyd (solvent/oil) or water (latex/plastic/emulsion) based. Alkyd paints, which are used mostly for high-gloss applications or to minimize mold growth in areas with high moisture, contain 32 to 42 percent volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as opposed to 2 to 5 percent found in latex paints. While alkyd based paints can be marketed as low-VOC, their VOC content is still usually much higher than that of latex-based paints. Even so, latex paints, which are most commonly used for interior walls and ceilings, can contain other preservatives, fungicides and dangerous solvents in them (see "Potentially Hazardous Solvents" below).

Natural paints, which tend to cost more, are usually made from citrus and other plant ingredients, milk protein or clay. They are better for the environment because most do not use petrochemicals or produce smog, and they're free of preservatives and biocides. Natural paints are best suited for drier areas, as they are less resistant to mildew and molds.

Milk paints are virtually odorless and are made using the milk protein, casein and lime. They contain no solvents, preservatives or biocides, though some do have synthetic ingredients like acrylic and vinyl. They come in powdered form and once opened or mixed with water, they should be used quickly, as they can mold if left to stand for a few weeks.

Whitewashes, which only come in white, contain only lime paste, water and salt. They are a low cost option that, like milk paints, are more fragile and are best applied to plaster, cement or stucco walls.

Recycled paint, often a bargain at under $10 per gallon, is created when a few types of paints are consolidated into one. According to the Waste Watch Center, recycled paint should have a minimum of 50% recycled content and be available in consistent colors. However, because several paints are mixed together, recycled paint is often best suited for areas where consistent color is not required.

For a comparison of various paint types, see "Natural Paints Put to the Test."

VOCs

Clean Air Counts, an initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions in Chicago, recommends using paint with VOC limits within those set by California 's South Coast Air Quality Management District. These limits state that flat paint VOC levels should not exceed 100 grams per liter and non-flat paint (semi-gloss, gloss, eggshell, or satin), not exceed 150 grams per liter. Often labeled "low-"or "no-VOC" these latex paints are water-based and emit fewer harmful fumes than regular latex paint. While they generally cost more, "VOC-free," "no-VOC," or "zero-VOC" paints are less toxic than conventional low-VOC paints and are virtually free of chemicals listed as carcinogenic under the California law. Because most still contain toxic preservatives, chemically sensitive people should avoid areas exposed to VOC-free paint.

Potentially Hazardous Solvents

If you must purchase an oil-based or latex paint, make sure it does not contain any of the ingredients listed below. Keep in mind that these most likely won't be listed on paint cans themselves; you'll need to request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer in order to uncover hazardous ingredients.

acrolein
acrylonitrile
antimony
benzene
cadmium
1,2-dichlorobenzene
etylbenzene
butyl benzyl phthalate
formaldehyde
hexavalent chromium
isophorone
lead
mercury
methylene chloride
methyl ethyl ketone
methyl isobutyl ketone
naphthalene
phthalate esters
1,1,1-trichloroethane
toluene
vinyl chloride