What is VOC paint?

I am looking to paint one of the bedrooms in my house that is going to be used as a nursery. My friend mentioned that I used use VOC paint in order to protect my child. This is the first time I have ever heard of this. What is VOC paint and where can I find it?

The Expert Answer:

VOC’s are Volatile Organic Compounds. Simply put, when paint goes on it is wet, and as it dries part of it evaporates into the air in your home. Some paint contains solvents which are not healthy to breathe and these solvents can take a while to evaporate completely. When selecting paint for your home, as your painter or the paint store professional for a “low VOC” paint which will introduce the miniumum amount of harmful vapors into your home.

February 29, 2008 at 5:48 pm :: Comments to date: 0