Benjamin Moore Eco Spec: Zero VOC Paint for an Asthma & Allergy Friendly Space

A sunlit bedroom with sage green painted walls, a white ceiling, black-trimmed glass doors, and black and white bedding and decor.

Discover Eco Spec^® and the importance of zero VOC paint when it comes to maintaining good indoor air quality.

There’s a lot of buzz around low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, thanks to their potential to help maintain good indoor air quality in living and working environments. These paints offer a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional formulas without sacrificing performance. As more people prioritize wellness and sustainability, low- and zero-VOC paints are becoming an increasingly popular choice.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are often added to paint to improve things like open time and freeze-thaw resistance. But when the paint dries, VOCs are released, which can produce a strong odor. Certain VOCs can irritate sensitive airways, trigger asthma symptoms, and may pose indoor air quality concerns.

What is Zero VOC Paint?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has determined that a paint can be considered emission-free or zero emissions (or VOC) if there’s evidence showing it emits only trace levels within six hours of application (and afterward) and contains no substances that could harm the health of the average adult under normal use. Eco Spec^® paint meets and exceeds this standard.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

“Indoor air quality” refers to the quality of the air inside places like homes, hospitals, schools, offices, and other buildings. Indoor air pollution affects many Americans, especially those with asthma, allergies, or sensitivity to odors. That’s why maintaining good indoor air quality is critical.

Did you know...

The average American spends 90% of their time indoors.
The indoor environment also collects allergens (such as animal dander, dust mite allergen, or mold).
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels.
To improve indoor air quality, the EPA recommends reducing emissions from indoor sources, by selecting low-emission building materials (e.g., insulation, paint, flooring).

For more information, visit: EPA Indoor Air Quality and AAFA Allergy & Asthma Facts.

How Prevalent are Asthma and Allergies?

These conditions are very common. In fact, 1 in 6 Americans suffer from asthma or allergies – that’s more than 100 million people!

What's more...

Asthma affects 25 million Americans including nearly 5 million children.
Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States.
50% of illnesses are caused or aggravated by poor indoor air quality.

For more information, visit AAFA Allergy & Asthma Facts.

A chart showing that one hundred two million Americans are affected by asthma and allergies, more than major diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Eco Spec is Independently Tested & Certified

Backed by Benjamin Moore’s Green Promise^®*, Eco Spec has been tested by multiple independent green certifying organizations so you can feel confident in knowing that our product meets—and often exceeds—rigorous environmental and performance criteria.

*Benjamin Moore's Green Promise designation is the Company's assurance this product meets—and often exceeds—rigorous environmental and performance criteria regarding VOCs, emissions, application, washability, scrubbability, and packaging, while also delivering the premium levels of performance you expect from Benjamin Moore.

A seal indicating Asthma and Allergy Friendly® certification.

Eco Spec—CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy friendly^® VOC Free Paint

The Asthma & Allergy Friendly^® Certification Program independently tests and identifies consumer products that are more suitable for those living with asthma and allergies. Eco Spec has earned the certification mark by achieving the program’s strict criteria for VOC emissions and performance.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Innovation and Environmental Excellence Award presented to Benjamin Moore.

Winner of the Innovation and Environmental Excellence Award

In 2025, Benjamin Moore was presented with The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s prestigious Innovation and Environmental Excellence Award for introducing the first patented waterborne color system, establishing a foundation for low-VOC paints and redefining possibilities in the paint industry.

For more information, visit: aafa.org.

Green Seal^® Certified

Green Seal has been rewarding leading paints and coatings manufacturers for low-VOC content, safer formulas, and uncompromising performance since 1993. Today, Green Seal is among the world’s most trusted ecolabels for low-VOC products. For more information, visit: greenseal.org.

LEED^® Indoor Air Quality

LEED Indoor Air Quality credits demonstrate a building’s qualifications for reducing the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating, and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants. For more information, visit: usgbc.org.

MPI’s Green Performance™ Standards

MPI’s Green Performance Standards is the certification standard for environmentally friendly paints and coatings in interior spaces. MPI’s Green Performance™ Standards are the only green paint/coatings certification required by both the U.S. and Canadian governments and referenced by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). For more information, visit mpi.net.

Benjamin Moore’s Green Promise^®

Benjamin Moore’s Green Promise designation is our company’s assurance that this product meets—and often exceeds—rigorous environmental and performance criteria regarding VOCs, emissions, application, washability, scrubbability, and packaging, while also delivering the premium levels of performance you expect from Benjamin Moore.

Feel Confident in Eco Spec

Our greenest and lowest-odor paint, Eco Spec delivers zero VOCs and zero emissions without compromising performance or quality. It has been engineered for those who demand eco-friendly paints to maintain good indoor air quality in their space.

Eco Spec contains antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the dry paint film. It also offers excellent hide, easy application, great touch-up, and chemical resistance to common cleaners and disinfectants used in homes and healthcare. Its low odor completely dissipates within 60 minutes after application, ensuring painted areas can be occupied sooner.

A Complete Solution

Eco Spec Primer offers the same benefits as the top coat: zero VOCs and zero emissions. Together, they provide an environmentally friendly solution from primer to top coat.

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