The nontoxic sector of the household paint world is booming, and many companies have entered the market. AFM's Safecoat brand is the granddaddy of the nontoxic paint business, having been in the market for 25 years. Boutiques brands, including Mythic and YOLO Colorhouse, have popped up in recent years. Sherwin Williams has its Harmony line, while Home Depot sells Freshaire Choice. Benjamin Moore already sells its low-toxic Aura but is rolling out a new, zero VOC interior paint called Natura that will be available in all of their nearly 3,000 colors.

WHAT IS VOC?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds and are the additives that make a regular paint roll on smoothly, dry quickly and prevent mildew. The problem is these chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health problems. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that exposure to paints high in VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness and vision problems depending on which chemicals are it the paint, how long the exposure and a person's age. Kids, for example, are far more vulnerable especially infants. Conventional paint is regulated to some degree and cannot include more than 250 grams per liter of VOCs.

WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT

So what kind of paint should you use for your next project? Any of the above mentioned will do. Industry insiders suggest a simple sniff test: If the paint smells noxious, it has VOCs. If it's odorless, or smells like fresh milk then it's likely a non-toxic paint. However, just to be safe, some toxic chemicals are odorless so look for a certification on the label such as Greenguard or Green Seal. VOC free paints are simple to use, durable as conventional paints and they dry faster.

THE FACTS

Infants are very vulnerable to toxic chemicals. Use only low VOC or 100% VOC free paint when painting a nursery for a new arrival.