Pros and Cons of Non-Toxic Paint

Non-toxic paint (also called non-VOC paint) has been gaining popularity since it was first introduced in the 1960s. Essentially, non-toxic paint is marketed as a safer, less-polluting solution for interior wall painting and even artistic painting. The absence of chemical solvents renders it safer for both the environment and for the people that might otherwise be breathing toxic fumes. Of course, as with any product, there are both pros and cons to using non-toxic paint.

Obviously, the major pros involve health and the environment. When you use non-toxic paint on your interior walls or on your canvas, you don't breathe in the fumes that are emitted by solvent-containing paints as they dry. Some of the most popular non-VOC paints are made with milk or other organic components that smell better as you paint and don't release harmful vapors.

The pros of non-toxic paint are especially important for people who have chronic respiratory problems or allergies. Chemical fumes create more irritants in the air, which can worsen pre-existing conditions or even create new conditions that are harder to control. Even if you use an air purifier and allergen-free furnishings, paint with chemicals can significantly damage your health.

Other pros of non-toxic paint include price, drying time and disposal, though the first two are affected largely by the non-VOC paint product you choose. Many of these alternative paints cost less (especially in bulk), and dry much faster due to their thicker consistency. Furthermore, you don't have to dispose of non-toxic paint as hazardous waste, which makes clean-up much easier.

The cons of non-toxic paint are relatively few, but you should consider all aspects of the paint job before you. For example, it can be difficult to find the specific colors you need for a painting project when you use non-VOC paint. Every color in the world might be available, but finding each in the same brand with the same ingredients can be a chore.