Not-so-smelly paints with fewer volatile organic compounds are one of the hottest "green" products for the home these days. No surprise then that nearly every large paint manufacturer has come out with a low- or no-VOC paint.

Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Pittsburgh Paints and Dutch Boy are just a handful of the companies offering such products, at price points for every budget. Some of the formulations cover better than others, but all have fewer VOCs than the same companies' oil- and water-based coatings. Besides odor, VOCs also contribute to air pollution indoors and outdoors. Zero- or no-VOC paint has VOCs in the range of 5 grams per liter or less, an amount that can barely be smelled. Low-VOC paint has 50g/L or less, which is slightly discernible until it dries.

However, no- and low-VOC paints aren't the only eco-friendly coatings on the market. Some manufacturers go back to paints' origins to find a base that's naturally nontoxic. Better known brands include The Real Milk Paint Company and Green Plant Paints, a clay-based paint.

So-called natural paints can contain water, resins, plant dyes and essential oils. Their bases may be made from lime, clay or milk protein. And though these finishes are safe, they may not offer the coverage or durability you desire. As with all paints and finishes, it is important to match the product and application. Some just will not withstand the moisture of a bathroom, for instance.

Don't be afraid to talk to do a little research or get a test sample, if possible. Most companies' Web sites have a Q&A section, and you can also call the company toll-free to seek advice.

That's what I did while researching the new low- or no-VOC paint products. Next to all of the green and environmentally friendly labels, I started to notice some pretty big warning labels telling me to be aware of eye, skin and respiratory tract irritations. Wasn't I spending more not to be exposed to those things?

I spoke to Sue Horley, director of latex paint development for ICI Paints, manufacturer of The Freshaire Choice Brand Paint sold at Home Depot.

"We label everything to comply with state and federal regulations," she said.

In fact, all paints carry a similar warning. It's standard industry practice, even if the paint has fewer VOCs than other paints.

"When we test the VOC ranges of paint, there is consistent scientific testing on the air quality as the paint is drying. A VOC level of even 1g/L means that the warning label is required on the paint," she said.

So, don't be afraid of the label. It will still smell better than the paint you used to use.

Some companies that carry low-VOC and no-VOC paint:

• Benjamin Moore: www.benjaminmoore.com (Aura Acrylic Paint and Eco-Spec Acrylic, both low-VOC)

• Duron: www.duron.com (Genesis Interior Acrylic, low-VOC)

• Dutchboy: www.dutchboy.com (Clarity Interior Latex, low-VOC)

• The Freshaire Choice: www.thefreshairechoice.com (no-VOC)

• Pittsburgh Paints: www.pittsburghpaints.com (Pure Performance Paint line, no-VOC)

• Sherwin-Williams: www.sherwinwilliams.com (Harmony Interior Latex, no-VOC; Duration Home Interior Latex, low-VOC)