The paint industry is doing its bit to improve health and the environment through the introduction of new European Union-based legislation which lowers the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints, stains and varnishes. The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes, and Vehicle Refinishing Regulations (known for short as VOC 2010) means that manufacture of non-compliant products stopped on 1^st January 2010 and sale on 1^st January 2011. Products are divided into different categories (matt, gloss, primer and so on) and different upper limits for VOCs laid down for each group. And within the group, the limits differ for solvent and water-based products. This is to make sure that the product still does what is says on the tin.  When shopping for DIY, look for the label 'VOC 2010 compliant' on your paint, stain or varnish to be sure. Otherwise if you hire a firm to pain for you, make sure they confirm that the paint complies with the VOC 2010.

Paint accounts for less than

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) which is found in many modern household products and contributes to indoor air pollution by a slow leakage process called outgassing. It is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent odour. Many VOCs cause health problems, particularly in people with asthma, rhinitis, or multiple chemical sensitivity. VOCs act as irritants, rather than allergens. Formaldehyde can produce symptoms at levels as low as 0.1 parts per million (ppm).

What products contain formaldehyde?

The glue used in board-based wood (plywood, particleboard, fibreboard), furniture (especially flat pack furniture), flooring, and wall panelling

• Foam backing on carpets
• Paint preservatives
• Fabric treatment in ‘easy care’, ‘crease-resistant’ or ‘non-iron’ polyester or polycotton textile

Multiple chemical sensitivity is a condition where various bodily symptoms arise from exposure to various everyday chemicals. It generally starts with one acute or chronic exposure and then worsens to include many more chemicals. As the name suggests, the irritants are multiple, which makes MCS hard to deal with. You might like to be aware of some of the common triggers to MCS, however. These are:

• Perfumes and other scented products, such as candles
• Second-hand tobacco smoke
• Pesticides, wood preservatives
• House paints
• Regular household cleaning supplies
• Formaldehyde in new clothes, furniture and various other products
• Carbonless paper, inks, copying machines and laser printer toner
• Offgassing of new carpets
• Gas stoves

The symptoms of MCS are legion -