Emergence of Low VOC Paints - Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs as they are popularly called can be quite bad for your health if inhaled for a long duration. These compounds are additives that give paints some of the most desirable properties. With time the usage of VOCs has reduced and so always opt for those paints. Understand that the older paints, high of VOCs, keep releasing these chemicals into the air for months/ years post painting.