- In this report
- Overview
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Ranges and cooktops
- Countertops
- Cabinets
- Flooring
- Labels for flooring and cabinets
- Lighting
- Paint
Paint
You'll hear more about VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, in the paint aisle as federal and local standards toughen for this paint and stain component. VOCs contribute to smog and have been linked to respiratory illnesses and memory problems.
The federal government now limits interior paints to 250 grams per liter of VOCs for flat finishes and 380 grams per liter for other kinds. Regional California limits are much stricter at just 50 grams per liter; you'll find VOCs listed on the paint can. But even these lower limits don't include the pigments that are typically added at the store, which can significantly increase the VOC level.
You can minimize those VOC levels in your kitchen without compromising quality: Some of the best-covering, longest-lasting interior paints in Consumer Reports' paint Ratings also have the lowest VOC levels.
You'll also find any of several environmental certification seals as major manufacturers promote their brands. While some are independently verified, Green Promise and GreenSure originate from the brands themselves.
| Interior Paints: Behind the Green Certifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Label name | VOC limit in base formula | VOC limit with pigment | Can requirements | Independently verified |
| Green Seal | 50 grams per liter for flat; 100 grams for others | 100 grams per liter for flat; 150 grams for others | 20% recycled content or can be recycled as part of a manufacturer take-back program. | Yes |
| Green Guard | 0.0005 grams* | Same | None | Yes |
| Green Promise | 50 grams per liter for all | Same | None | No** |
| Green Sure | 50 | 0 for company's own green line of pigments | 100% recycled content | No*** |
| Government standards | ||||
| EPA | 250 grams per liter for flat; 380 grams for others | Pigment not counted toward VOC limits | ||
| CA | 100 grams per liter for flat; 150 for others | Pigment not counted toward VOC limits | ||
| Los Angeles | 50 for all paints | Pigment not counted toward VOC limits | ||
**Green Promise is created by Benjamin Moore and covers only its products.
***Green Sure is created by Sherwin Williams and covers only its products.
Lead
This common toxin is a concern if you sand or scrape off old paint in a house built before 1978 because older layers are likely to contain lead. A lead-test kit can reveal it by changing color, though Consumer Reports' tests have found that many kits have confusing instructions, challenging procedures, and inaccurate results.
Which lead-test kit you use depends on paint color so you can see the results. For example, don't use a kit that turns pink or red on a similar color paint; both colors are also an issue if you're color-blind. Also note that lead-test kits use one of two chemicals-sodium sulfide or rhodizonate-and each can vary in results. Consider buying both types when testing. Follow instructions exactly and be sure to expose every layer of paint. Also remember that if your home was built before 1978, any remodeling pro you hire will have to comply with the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. It requires workers to trap dust and debris, among other steps, and applies to any work that might disturb lead-based paint in a home.
Disposal and recycling tips
Check Earth911.com to find a paint-recycling center in your area. If you can't recycle the paint, you can throw latex paints (but not oil based) into the trash if they're solidified. Ways to do that include drying it by leaving the lid off in a well-vented area and mixing in an absorbent such as kitty litter or sawdust in a 1-to-2 ratio to paint. Also consider donating your unused paint; Habitat for Humanity takes donated building materials and sells them in affiliated ReStore resale outlets. Listing unused paint on websites such as craigslist.com or freecycle.org is another option.
