Choose paints of lower VOC content, water-based and less glossy tosafeguard health and environment - CHOICE # 375

Consumers giving their home a new coat of paint to usher in the new year, are strongly urged to choose only paints in compliance of the new legal requirement on volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Regulation on the VOC content of 25 types of architectural paints/coatings with limits set under the Air Pollution Control (Volatile Organic Compounds) Regulations came into force effective January 1.

In the January issue of CHOICE, the Consumer Council has drawn the attention of consumers to a common cause of deteriorated indoor air quality due to the generation of VOC from paints, solvents, adhesives, etc. during and after renovation.

It is common, where renovation is in progress, to experience eye irritation, headache, dizziness, cough, nose and throat irritations.

Some of the VOC are known to be carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic and, therefore, are detrimental to health.

To reduce exposure to VOC, and to safeguard health and environment, consumers owe it to themselves to support and choose paints with lower VOC content and those that are water-based, and less glossy.

Under the new legislation, suppliers of paints are required to indicate, inter-alia, the VOC content of the products on either the material safety data sheet, product catalogue, container or packaging.

The information should state the VOC content in the form in which it is supplied in compliance of the prescribed limit. And if dilution with organic solvents or thinners is necessary before application, the VOC content after dilution as calculated on the basis of the dilution ratio recommended on the product should be stated.

Consumers should, however, be wary that paints imported before the date of VOC limits became effective, and still available in the market, may contain a higher VOC content in excess of the statutory limits.

For ease of differentiation by consumers of such non-compliant paints, the products are required to bear the label: "The content of volatile organic compounds in this product exceeds the prescribed limit that is to be implemented with effect from 1 January 2008. Volatile organic compounds cause air pollution".

In this connection, consumers are urged to pay heed to the product information on VOC, and avoid using products with high VOC content even if there is special promotion or discount offer for these products.

Other tips to heed:

• Aside from selection of colour and function, always compare the VOC content of different brands and series so as to choose a product with lower VOC content.
• Estimate the amount of usage prior to purchase so as to prevent unnecessary wastage. And store or dispose of unused paints in a proper way.
• Keep good ventilation during and after renovation.