You know the smell of new paint, the one that gives you a slight headache? That's the smell of the paint releasing toxin-containing fumes which may be harmful to you and your family. For those with chemical sensitivities and allergies, these hidden pollutants can make life extremely difficult, and they aren't good for the rest of us. The EPA estimates over 10,000 Americans are killed annually by indoor air pollution, and one source of this pollution are the toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are released from new building materials, paints and other finishes as they "off-gas". In addition to respiratory and eye irritation, headaches and muscle weakness, VOCs have been linked to serious conditions like liver disease and lung cancer. Studies have found that when paint is drying, indoor air can contain VOCs at levels up to 1,000 times that of outdoor air.

How can you reduce your family's exposure to these chemicals? Well, the good news is that, as the links between health effects and air quality have become better understood, environmental regulations have gotten stricter. And with consumers becoming more aware of the health issues, the demand for less toxic paints has gown. Today almost every paint manufacturer offers at least one variety of non-VOC paint.

VOCs are measured in grams per liter (g/L). While standards vary somewhat, national regulations limit VOC content of flat paint to 250 g/l and non-flat to 380 g/l. Although it's almost impossible to make a completely toxin and VOC free paint, it's not hard to find safer alternative: "No VOC" paint is typically considered anything less than 5g/L. "Low VOC" paint is anything less than 50g/L. Keep in mind that adding color can increase the VOC levels.

The cost of low and no-VOC paints is usually around the same as a manufacturer's premium paint line. There are many benefits to choosing these paints – they are effective and long lasting, have reduced toxins and fumes (low odor and no off-gassing means higher indoor air quality), and they have environmental advantages as well. Using low and no-VOC paint reduces groundwater pollutants and ozone depleting contaminants. They can be easily disposed of because they aren't considered hazardous waste, and, being water-based, they clean up easily with soap and water.

So save yourself a headache and so much more – give your home a paint job that's safer for your family and the earth. Your lungs will thank you.