While picking a paint, it rarely occurs to us if it could have a negative impact on the environment or even our health. However, the truth is that paints are among the vast group of organic chemical-based household products that commonly contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the harmful effects of these substances range from irritation to the eyes, nose, and ears to headaches and even loss of coordination. In fact, VOCs can even damage the central nervous system.
On an average, VOC levels indoors range from two to five times than outdoors, which means a significant risk to our health. However, low-VOC paints can cut down human exposure to these chemicals by a considerable degree. The range of Berger’s interior paints is a great option, as these water-based paints are manufactured keeping in mind stringent VOC limits, while being compliant with global environmental guidelines for the industry.
Here’s looking at a few major benefits that low-VOC paints offer:
- Low-VOC Paints are Greener and Cleaner
With climate change becoming an increasing concern area, every step towards clean emissions counts. Compounds found in regular paints release pollutants that harm the ozone layer, contributing to global warming. If that wasn’t bad enough, VOCs have also been commonly found as contaminants in groundwater and negative agents for soil composition. Ensuring a green tomorrow is one of the biggest reasons why we need to increase our use of low-VOC paint.
Making eco-friendly and healthy choices when painting your home comes easier with the range of options in Berger Paints for interior walls. The Luxol Lustre Water Based Luxury Emulsion has a lustrous, rich finish with antifungal properties. It also comes with a Green Pro Certification. Apart from checking for low-VOC when choosing paint, remember to ensure it has no added lead, chromium or mercury.
- Low-VOC Paints are Better for Your Lungs
If the rise of air pollution wasn’t bad enough already, the pandemic has made breathing disorders worse. According to a study published by Harvard T. H. Chan School of Health, there is a link between breathing polluted air over a period of time and the severity of the effects of COVID-19. At this point, the advantages of low-VOC paints far outweigh any other reasons one might have for still choosing regular paints.
Paints with high-VOC content are often known to cause nausea and dizziness. However, if you choose variants with minimal aromatic content, these problems can be minimised to a large extent. To rest assured, it’s best to choose Berger Paints for interiors and exteriors. For instance, the water-based acrylic co-polymer based Bison Distemper is Green Pro Certified and relieves you of the need to worry about breathing problems. It also leaves your walls with an elegant and durable matte finish.
- Low-VOC Paints are Safer for People with Allergies
High-VOC environments have proved to trigger complications in pregnant women and new-born babies. But they are not the only vulnerable category of people. Those with allergies need to be careful too. Low quality paints are known to aggravate allergies. These reactions can vary from skin dryness, watery eyes, coughing and a runny nose to even triggering serious asthma attacks. This is why paints with low aromatic properties are safer for those with sensitive airways, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
- Low-VOC Paints are Relatively Odourless
Can you think of what paint smells like? Well, the typical smell that we associate with paint is really the emission of VOCs in the air. Even if you don’t feel queasy or develop an allergy to these paint fumes, the odour can be quite unpleasant and distracting. However, low-VOC paints don’t smell bad as they don’t have gasoline, flammable spirits and other odour producing substances. Odourless paints are essential to making the paint job an experience that you don’t dread. Moreover, these variants are also much better at successfully covering marks and spots.
- A Hassle-Free Painting Experience
Short on time? The one benefit of using a low-VOC paint that’s always overlooked is that they are a lot easier to work with. This is because if you’re using a water-based acrylic paint, the coat is easier to apply, to adhere to the wall and dry. Low-VOC paints are also much more durable than other kinds of paint.
Even if you’ve chosen paints with acceptable levels of VOCs, you need to ensure minimal exposure for your family. With Berger’s Express Painting service, the exposure is significantly reduced by cutting down the time needed for the paint job and the ability to track the progress of the project on a mobile app. Moreover, these professional painters adhere strictly to the pandemic safety protocols and leave you clean and fully sanitised when they leave.