We use paints in our homes to make it nice looking and  protect surfaces of wall, furnitures from moisture, molds, bugs, etc.. When  manufacturers stopped using lead in paints we thought that it is completely safe…

But before the paint can cover a surface, a paint has to be “paintable”, which means it has solvent, be it oil-based or water-based, that evaporates when the paint dries up:

Fresh Paint

Most wall paint contains volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which, we are now told—after years of inhaling the fumes—are very bad for us. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system are all possible side effects. Some organics are suspected of causing or known to cause cancer in humans. What can you do? Look for paint certified as being low or very low in VOCs (sometimes called zero VOCs). Major brands are now getting on board.

source: REMEDY magazine