Evaluation of low-VOC latex paints

Four commercially available low-volatile organic compound (VOC) latex paint s were evaluated as substitutes for conventional latex paints by assessing both their emission characteristics and their performance as coatings. Bulk analysis indicated that the VOC contents of all four paints tested were co nsiderably lower than those of conventional latex paints. Low VOC emissions were confirmed by small chamber emission tests. However, significant emiss ions of several aldehydes, especially formaldehyde which is a hazardous air pollutant, were detected in emissions from two of the four paints. America n Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods were used to evaluate th e hiding power, scrub resistance, washability, dry to touch and yellowness index. The results indicated that one of the four low-VOC paints tested sho wed performance equivalent or superior to that of a conventional latex pain t used as control. It was concluded that low-VOC latex paint can be a viabl e option to replace conventional latex paints for prevention of indoor air pollution. However, pains marketed as "low-VOC" may still have significant emissions of some individual VOCs, and some may not have performance charac teristics matching those of conventional latex paints.