What does Low VOC mean?

Recently you may have heard the term Low VOC when referring to paints, stains or sealants but what does Low VOC really mean? VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs are organic chemical compounds which have high vapor pressures and can affect the your health and the environment. VOCs can be both natural and man made compounds. A major source of man-made VOCs are solvents. The solvents that release VOCs in paints can include: aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethyl acetate, glycol ethers, and acetone. While some paints contain over 300 grams of VOCs per liter, Low VOC paints contain no more than 50 g/l and some contain zero such as Benjamin Moore's 'NATURA' Paint. Low and zero VOC Paints are not only healthier for you and the environment but also allow you to get back to using the painted room right away as there will be no residual odor lingering. Low and zero VOC paints are great for kids rooms or anywhere people sensitive to chemical smells may reside. By using these paints we can reduce the overall impact paints and sealants have on our environment and own health.
-Jeffrey Hartford ecpaint