Volatile Organic Compounds | Valspar Earth Sense

Choosing Low VOC Paints and Primers

Why You Should Care - What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "volatile organic compounds (VOC's) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOC's include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOC's are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors." In addition, VOC's are a contributing factor to ozone, a common air pollutant. Health risks depend upon how much is in the air and the frequency in which it is breathed.

VOC Regulation Map

How are VOC's currently regulated?

There are currently 6 regional/national agencies that regulate VOC's. The rules for each agency change on a periodic basis. - check the web sites below for the most up-to-date information. They are:

Do Valspar products comply with all of these different standards?

All Valspar products meet the VOC rules, or have lower VOC levels than required, for the areas in which they are sold.

Can I tell if there are VOC's in a product?

Sometimes you can smell chemicals that have VOC's. But your nose is not always the best source of information. A product that is labeled as Low Odor, may not be low in VOC's. Your best bet is to check the product label for VOC information.