Why Does Paint Smell?
That classic "fresh paint" smell is the chemical evaporation of solvents escaping into the air as the paint cures. These solvents are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
As the paint dries, VOCs like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde evaporate into the room. In a closed nursery, these fumes concentrate densely. Breathing in VOCs can cause immediate symptoms like headaches and dizziness in adults, but for infants—whose metabolic pathways and lung alveoli are rapidly developing—the risk includes long-term asthma induction and neurotoxicity.
“The "fresh paint smell" is literally the smell of central nervous system depressants and carcinogens entering your respiratory tract.”
— Renee Says
Section Summary
- VOCs are the solvents that keep paint liquid.
- They off-gas heavily as the paint dries.
- Formaldehyde is a frequent hidden off-gas compound.
The "Low-VOC" vs "Zero-VOC" Trap
Federal regulations forced paint companies to lower their VOC levels.
Low-VOC paint simply means the paint meets the legal threshold of less than 50g of VOCs per liter. It is better than old oil-paints, but it is not safe for an infant.
Zero-VOC paint (like Benjamin Moore Natura or Clare) contains less than 5g per liter. This is the absolute requirement for a nursery.
The Tinting Trap: Here is the catch—many retailers will sell you a Zero-VOC white base paint, but when you ask them to tint it "Naval Blue," they squirt in liquid colorants that are packed with VOCs! You must specifically demand that they use Zero-VOC colorants.
Section Summary
- "Low-VOC" is an outdated legal term, not a safety standard.
- "Zero-VOC" is the requirement for nurseries.
- Make sure the color tints are also Zero-VOC.