Interior house paint

@payette78 Everyone, but especially anyone with lung issues, whether Bronchiectasis, Asthma, COPD, emphysema or with allergies, should pay attention to all chemicals used in their home, car and workplace.

Let's begin by saying paint is a number of chemicals, plus water or another thinner, blended together. What is in the paint is somewhat governed by EPA rules, so most highly toxic chemicals are not in interior paints. Many people are sensitive to the VOC's (volatile organic compounds) used in paints, and that was part of the reason for the development of "low VOC" paints, but low doesn't mean none. Others may be sensitive to the latex or acrylic compound used.

The good news is VOC's in paint, in general, outgas fairly quickly as they dry, especially if good ventilation is used, so the potential for problems is limited. And you can further clear the air afterward by running a HEPA air filter.

So what is the bottom line? If paint bothers you, and you are the one who must do the job, wear a respirator (not an N95 mask), ventilate the house or room well, and leave for several hours or overnight when you finish. Whether to use low VOC paint is up to you - we just use the best rated & most durable paint we can find (which does cost more) so that we don't need to do the job as often.

Of greater concern is the outgassing from new carpet, vinyl flooring, and furniture that is not solid wood. That can go on for quite a long time. Again, a high-quality HEPA + odor air filter can help. Sometimes people buy their flooring and roll it out for several weeks in a porch or garage for the chemicals to dissipate. Or use wood or ceramic. We also use vintage solid-wood furniture.

Wow, that's a lot of info. I have some painting that I want to do myself and have been afraid to start. Thanks a bundle. Very helpful.