Title: Just How Dangerous Are VOCs in Paint? | HowStuffWorks
Headings: Just How Dangerous Are VOCs in Paint?
Just How Dangerous Are VOCs in Paint?
The Function of VOCs and Alternative Options
VOCs in Paint FAQ
What are low VOC paint standards?
Why are VOCs dangerous?
How long do VOCs last after painting?
What is a safe level of VOCs?
Do VOCs in paint go away?
Citation

Content: That said, you don't absolutely need to have VOCs in your paint. Today, because of an increasing awareness about the known health hazards of VOCs, paint manufacturers are beginning to offer more low- and no-VOC paints. Advertisement
No-VOC paint, as regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, will have five or fewer grams of VOCs per liter of paint. ( This is only for latex paint, a common type used in household painting.) Paint with less than 250 grams of VOCs per liter is considered low-VOC paint [source: Midwest Eco-Design ]. Like many healthier alternatives, no- and low-VOC paint usually costs more (about 20 to 80 percent more) than regular paint. Because of this, some people try whipping up recipes of homemade paint, sometimes using chalk or animal products. Generally, homemade paints come with strings attached that make using them a hassle. For example, you have to consider such things as how humid the room can get, how many layers you'll need, what ingredients are necessary for the job to turn out right and how long the paint will last.