Paints can be loaded with toxic chemicals that release low level toxic emissions in the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) which until recently, were critical to the performance of the paint. The distinctive smell of paint is actually a host of compounds that can cause nausea, dizziness, and severe headaches. According to the EPA, indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air and accounts for 11,400 deaths annually.
