Evaluation of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Interior Paint Colors in the Residential Condominium in Thailand

Interior paints are a significant source of indoor air pollution due to their emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can continue long after the paint has dried. To enhance occupant well-being within buildings, this study aimed to evaluate VOCs emissions from various interior paint colors. Experiments were conducted by an emission test chamber method. Material specifications were selected in identical to those used in actual residential condominiums in Thailand’s market. Our investigation included both oil-based paint and acrylic water-based paint. The measurement results indicated that oil-based paint initially exhibited the highest emission rates. However, these rates gradually became comparable to those of acrylic water-based paint over the long-term monitoring period. In practical terms, occupied residential units predominantly use water-based paint, often covering larger wall and ceiling surface areas. Therefore, the selection of paint types and the pigments used in acrylic water-based paints must be carefully considered when the building was constructed and start to operate for ensuring the health and well-being of building occupants.