Interior Air Quality Redefined: A Case Study on the Role of Organic Paints in Mitigating VOC Emissions

IJEP 46(8): 773-781 : Vol. 46 Issue 8 (August 2026)

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Tapanwita Saha1, Manpreet Singh Saini1* and Bigith V.B.2

1. Lovely Professional University, Department of Architecture and Design, Phagwara – 144 411, Punjab, India
2. Antea India Private Limited, Gurugram – 122 098, Haryana, India

Abstract

This work focuses on the opportunities for bio-based alternatives in a specific group of indoor paints to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in closed areas, where individuals spend about 90% of their time in contact with pollutants linked to respiratory problems and chronic diseases. A case study at Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Fine Arts Academy for Women, Sircilla, in (tropical) India evaluated IAQ parameters—temperature, humidity, formaldehyde (HCHO), total VOCs (TVOC), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM1.0, PM10) and AQI—in two identical rooms. One was painted with high-VOC inorganic paint, the other with low- to zero-VOC organic paint. Disparities were observed in real-time monitoring before, during and one week after painting. The inorganic paint room showed surges in TVOC (6.10 mg/m3), HCHO, PM and AQI (25-54), alongwith higher temperature and humidity. In contrast, the organic paint room had lower pollutant levels and the AQI remained stable (26 to 13). Surveys found increases in headaches (82.6%) and eye irritation (73.9%) in the inorganic room (although not statistically significant by age group). These results reject the null hypothesis and demonstrate that bio-based paints reduce VOC emissions, improve IAQ and promote sustainability, warranting further investigation to develop formulations for residential and educational institutions.

Keywords

Indoor air quality, Volatile organic compound, Air contaminants, Bio-based paints

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