Zero-VOC Paint: Is It Worth It for Your Phoenix Home?

If you’ve painted a room, you know that strong “new paint smell.” Those fumes come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and they’re not just unpleasant—they can affect your health. Here’s what you need to know about zero-VOC paint options.

What Are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. In paint, they help with application and drying but release gases into your indoor air:

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Ethylene glycol

Traditional paints can contain up to 300 grams of VOCs per liter. These compounds contribute to indoor air pollution and can continue off-gassing for years.

Health Effects of VOC Exposure

Short-Term Effects

• Headaches and dizziness
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Nausea
• Respiratory discomfort
• Allergic skin reactions

Long-Term Concerns

• Liver and kidney damage
• Central nervous system effects
• Some VOCs are suspected carcinogens

Who’s Most Vulnerable?

• Children
• Pregnant women
• People with asthma or allergies
• Those with chemical sensitivities
• Elderly individuals

Understanding Paint Labels

VOC Content Categories

Category	VOC Content	Meaning
Conventional	150-300 g/L	Standard paint
Low-VOC	50-150 g/L	Reduced emissions
Zero-VOC	Less than 5 g/L	Minimal emissions
Natural	0 g/L	Plant-based ingredients

Note: “Zero-VOC” doesn’t mean zero—it means less than 5 grams per liter, which is the lowest measurable level with current technology.

Benefits of Zero-VOC Paint

1. Better Indoor Air Quality

Zero-VOC paint doesn’t release harmful chemicals into your home’s air. This is especially important in Arizona, where we keep windows closed most of the year to manage heat.

2. No Strong Odors

You can paint and sleep in the room the same night. No need to evacuate your home or wait for fumes to dissipate.

3. Safer for Families

Peace of mind for homes with children, pregnant women, or anyone with sensitivities.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Fewer chemicals released during manufacturing, application, and disposal.

5. Quality Has Improved

Today’s zero-VOC paints perform as well as traditional paints in coverage, durability, and color selection.

The Cost Question

Zero-VOC paints typically cost 10-30% more than conventional paints:

Paint Type	Cost per Gallon
Conventional	$30-$50
Zero-VOC	$40-$65
Premium Zero-VOC	$60-$80

However, consider the total value:

• Healthier home environment
• No need to leave during painting
• Faster return to normal activities
• Better for resale (buyers appreciate healthy homes)

Premium Zero-VOC Paint Brands

We work with these quality zero-VOC options:

Sherwin-Williams Harmony

• Zero-VOC formula
• Excellent coverage
• Anti-microbial properties

Dunn-Edwards Aristoshield

• Zero-VOC and zero-HAPs
• Durable, scrubbable finish
• Great Arizona climate performance

Benjamin Moore Natura

• True zero-VOC
• Asthma & Allergy Friendly certified
• Premium quality

When Zero-VOC Makes the Most Sense

Consider zero-VOC paint especially for:

• Nurseries and kids’ rooms - Children spend more time in their rooms and are more vulnerable
• Bedrooms - Where you spend 8 hours a day breathing
• Enclosed spaces - Home offices, media rooms without good ventilation
• Whole-home repaints - Cumulative exposure from multiple rooms
• Occupied homes - When you can’t leave during painting

Our Recommendation

We believe zero-VOC paint is worth the modest extra cost for most interior painting projects, especially in Arizona where we keep our homes sealed against the heat. The health benefits, lack of odor, and environmental advantages outweigh the price difference.

That said, we’re happy to discuss options based on your budget, timeline, and priorities. Contact us to learn more about our zero-VOC painting options.