Are zero VOC paints safe?

"V.O.C. free" paints are not safe. Claiming otherwise may be irresponsible.
V.O.C. or Volatile Organic Compounds is a term used extensively lately in the construction and painting industry. They are the solvents that evaporate. They are found in paints, construction adhesives, new carpets etc. After evaporating, they react with fuel by-products and sunlight and as a result smog is created. The effect of smog on humans and life in general has been documented.
Painters, manufacturers and paint dealers are trumpeting the benefits of the new zero VOC paints, claiming to the world that they are now a green company. Unsuspecting homeowners and workers are letting their guard down and not taking the usual safety precautions required.
What about the following concerns:

VOC regulations are mostly there for outdoor atmospheric purposes.
Colourants are not zero VOC. As soon as you add colourants the paint is not zero VOC any more
There are some compounds found in paints that are very harmful and they are "VOC exempt". Acetone, for example is zero VOC and does not count as VOC. It is proven to be very harmful and in addition can contaminate ground water. Yet it is allowed to be in paint. Oxhaul, one of them is a heavy solvent. High solids hardeners are sometimes zero VOC but very harmful as they contain isocyanates. In these cases zero VOC paint can be more harmful.

All usual, precautions should be taken when using zero VOC paint, but one thing is for sure:

Zero VOC paint is not safe! It may just be safer.

Ecopainting Inc is an eco-friendly Painting Contractor.
To arrange a consultation call 416 733-7767 or request a painting estimate.