KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Low-VOC paints reduce solvent emissions and odour.
- They are the usual choice for occupied interiors.
- You still need ventilation, and a label does not guarantee durability.
VOCs are solvents that evaporate as paint dries, and they are a good part of what you smell. Most quality interior paints today are low-VOC, which is good news for occupied buildings.
What it helps with
- Less odour during and after work.
- Better conditions for residents, staff and painters.
- Easier scheduling in occupied corridors and suites.
What it does not do
- It does not remove the need for ventilation.
- It does not make a poor surface hold paint.
- Low-VOC does not automatically mean it is the right product for the job.
What to ask
Ask which product is proposed and for its data sheet. If someone in the building has a health concern, tell the contractor early so they can plan the area, the product and the timing around it.
This guide is general information for strata councils and property managers in British Columbia, not legal advice. Check your registered bylaws and the current Strata Property Act, or ask your property manager or a lawyer, before relying on it for a decision.
