A fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest ways to change how a room looks and feels. It is also one of the most common jobs people tackle themselves. Most of us think about colour and finish first. The air in the room while the paint dries deserves some thought too.

Paints and many other finishes can release chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Choosing products with lower VOC content and airing the room well can make the job more pleasant. Here is what to look for and how to plan the work.