Painting problem solver. VOC 'health hazards' in latex and oil-based paints

Ron Joseph is a paint and coating consultant with exponent, inc., of Menlo park, California shares his views on the health hazards associated with VOC. VOC poses various health hazards in latex and oil-based paints. Latex paints are waterborne and contain very small quantities of solvents (VOC's). The MSDS for the product in question spells out the potential hazardous ingredients and provides more details on each one. The difference between enamel and polyurethane is presented as polyurethane's are not high gloss, smooth, and/or decorative; therefore, they are usually only referred to as topcoats, although painters might use the word 'enamel' is used to describe them. Polyurethane can be a single- or two-component coating.