What Is Low-VOC Paint?
Low-VOC paint is paint made with less of the volatile organic compounds its solvents release. The EPA says paints, varnishes and wax contain organic solvents that can release organic compounds while in use and, to some degree, in storage, and lists paint supplies among the main indoor sources of benzene, a known human carcinogen.
Rules set the ceiling. The EPA's national VOC standards for architectural coatings apply to coatings manufactured on or after September 13, 1999 for sale in the United States, and set a limit of 250 grams of VOC per liter, or 2.1 pounds per gallon, for flat coatings, interior or exterior. The California Air Resources Board's 2019 model rule for architectural coatings lists 50 grams per liter for flat coatings, and 50 for nonflat coatings from January 1, 2022, down from 100.
For painting at home, the EPA lists providing maximum ventilation during painting and discarding paint supplies that will not be used immediately among actions that reduce benzene exposure, and advises that if you use products such as paints and paint strippers only occasionally, you buy only as much as you will use right away.
Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.
The sources behind this answer
- Government sourceThe EPA says paints, varnishes and wax contain organic solvents, and that such products can release organic compounds while in use and, to some degree, when stored. US EPA ↗
- Government sourceThe EPA calls benzene a known human carcinogen, lists paint supplies among its main indoor sources, and says maximum ventilation during painting reduces exposure. US EPA ↗
- Government sourceThe EPA advises buying only as much as you will use right away of products such as paints and paint strippers that you use only occasionally or seasonally. US EPA ↗
- Regulatory filingThe EPA's national VOC standards for architectural coatings apply to each coating manufactured on or after September 13, 1999 for sale or distribution in the United States. US EPA, 40 CFR part 59 subpart D (eCFR) ↗
- Regulatory filingThe EPA's architectural coatings table sets a VOC limit of 250 grams per liter, or 2.1 pounds per gallon, for both exterior and interior flat coatings. US EPA, 40 CFR part 59 subpart D (eCFR) ↗
- Regulatory filingCARB's 2019 Suggested Control Measure lists a VOC limit of 50 grams per liter for flat coatings, and 50 for nonflat coatings from January 1, 2022, down from 100. California Air Resources Board ↗
Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.