To achieve an EPA zero-VOC rating, paint must have fewer than 5 grams per liter. For a low-VOC rating, paint must contain 5 to 250 grams per liter for latext paint, or 380 for allkyd (oil-based) paints.
In addition to the federal government, private-sector building and trade groups have started certifying products. For paints, look for materials certified by Greenguard, Green Seal, Scientific Certification Systems, or the Master Painters Institute’s Green Performance Standards.
