When most people think about allergy triggers in their home, dust, pollen, and pet dander usually top the list. People know to be cautious when deep-cleaning the carpets, buying air purifiers, or even cutting back on scented candles. The fact is that most of us are allergic at some level to something or another.
As the CDC notes, almost one in three American adults has either a seasonal or food allergy or eczema. Likewise, 1 in 5 American children also has to deal with these same allergens.
So, while people have come to expect reactions to common allergens, the same can’t be said for seemingly innocent products like wall paint. If you’ve got unexplained allergy symptoms that won’t go away, it might be time to take a second look at what’s coating your walls. Let’s find out more in this article.
What’s Actually in Your Paint? (And Why It Matters)
Many conventional paints release something called VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that are released into the air from painting. While you might only notice the strong paint smell for a few days, VOCs can linger in the air for weeks or even months.
According to the EPA, indoor levels of these chemicals can be up to 10 times higher than outdoors, especially after a fresh paint job. They also note that after some activities, like paint stripping, the levels can be 1,000 times higher than background outdoor levels.
If you or someone in your home has allergies, that “fresh paint smell” could be the problem. To make matters more serious, some VOCs have also been classified as carcinogenic over long-term exposure.
Likewise, latex-based paints bring a host of problems with them. As Dr. Daniel More, MD, notes, latex paint contains several chemicals that can trigger contact dermatitis along with other symptoms. Dr. More also notes that there’s no cure for a latex allergy, and many companies try to use alternative names to avoid the controversy.
The key takeaway here is that, yes, there are enough ingredients in traditional paint to trigger serious allergies.
What About Work Done By Professionals?
Let’s say you want to get your home repainted. As EA Pro Painters notes, this could be because your paint is cracking or fading, or it’s been a while since the last coat. Well, regardless of the reason, most people aren’t going to do the work themselves.
They’re more likely to pull out their phones and Google “painters near me,” and hire the closest service. However, now that you are aware of the chemicals in many paints, how should you proceed with a hired service? Well, the key is to be informed and intentional about the products and practices your painters use.
For starters, ask about low-VOC or zero-VOC paint options. Any reputable professional should be able to accommodate this request. In fact, many now carry or recommend healthier alternatives without compromising on color or durability.
Likewise, request full product transparency. Don’t be shy about asking to see the labels or data sheets of the paint they plan to use. If you can, look for third-party certifications like GREENGUARD Gold or Green Seal.
Tips for Allergy-Friendly Painting Projects
If you’re planning to repaint or just want to create a healthier space, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Studies show that even low-VOC paints can still release harmful volatiles. This comes from researchers in China and the U.S., who examined 40 of the most popular water-based paints that were labeled zero-VOC or low-VOC. They note that while the presence is much lower, VOCs still exist due to necessary preservatives.
Thus, the first tip is to ventilate well. That means you must open windows, use fans, and allow several days for drying before spending long hours in the room. Next, avoid painting right before peak allergy season or when it’s too cold to ventilate properly.
Our second tip is to paint room by room instead of doing your whole home at once. This way, you can still live in ‘quarantined’ zones and not have to worry about staying somewhere else until the whole house is done.
Finally, use the opportunity to do a complete allergen cleanse by deep cleaning. Even if your allergies are being triggered by paint, it’s still a good idea to remove any other potential allergens from the room or house. Even if you aren’t allergic to them right now, you never know when they might develop into full-blown allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can you be allergic to paint?
Yes, absolutely. A lot of regular paints give off VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can mess with your airways and cause allergy-like symptoms, or even trigger asthma. Some people also react to chemicals or preservatives in the paint itself. So if you’re sneezing, itching, or feeling off after a fresh paint job, that might be why.
2. What paint is safe for allergies?
Look for paints labeled low-VOC or zero-VOC. Even better if they’ve got third-party certifications like GREENGUARD Gold or Green Seal. These options are made to release fewer chemicals into the air and are a much better pick if you’ve got allergies, asthma, or just want cleaner air at home.
3. What is the most common VOC in paint?
One of the most common VOCs found in paint is formaldehyde. It’s used in a bunch of building and household products, and it’s known for that strong “new” smell. Other common ones include benzene and toluene, which help paint dry fast but aren’t great to breathe in.
Wall paint might not scream “health hazard” the way mold or pet dander does, but that’s exactly why it slips under the radar. It’s easy to assume that if something’s on the walls and out of reach, it can’t possibly be affecting us, but modern living has a way of hiding irritants in plain sight.
The good news is that this is something you can control. With just a little awareness and a few proactive steps, you can turn your home into a space that supports your health instead of quietly working against it.