One of the easiest and most impactful ways to freshen up your space is to paint the walls. Unfortunately, many traditional paints off-gas VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) while they are being applied and for years after. Even removing older paints or simply storing paint improperly can increase health risks to occupants due to the emission of toxic chemicals and the dust raised by sanding painted surfaces. So while your walls will look fresh, the air you are breathing might contain toxins.

These chemicals and particulates can lead to indoor air quality problems and may pose serious health risks. Babies, who have a greater rate of oxygen consumption than adults, are much more susceptible to harm from breathing in pollutants. Among the immediate symptoms that are sometimes experienced with exposure to VOCs are irritation, allergic skin reaction, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory impairment, and sometimes chronic sensitization to other substances. Longer-term exposures have been linked by some researchers to some cancers.

Many experts agree that most emissions occur during application of paint and the first few days of drying, but some contend that harmful paint fumes continue to off-gas in your home for years after painting (especially for oil-based paints). Currently, there are no regulations for the homeowners or occupants regarding the chemicals in paint and related supplies, but there are healthy choices you can make when choosing to repaint your home:

If DIY is your style, here are a few tips to keeping you and your home healthy while you are painting:

Finally, do a spot test! Not only can you test color, but you can also test if you have a reaction to the paint. Remember, Zero-VOC means the paint cannot give off specific VOCs,
. Because non-regulated VOCs are can differ from brand to brand, your reactions can differ, though the paints are labeled Zero-VOC. If you are considering multiple brands or types, paint them one at a time and let them dry so you know which one is causing a reaction.