We opened the lids on six eco-friendly paints, the kind made with fewer dangerous chemicals, or at least less likely to emit them.

The good news: Some of these paints provide good coverage.

Ross Hailey / McClatchy Tribune (ENLARGE)

Olympic Premium's soft amethyst no-volatile organic compound paint had fair coverage and some drip, but almost no odor.

The less-than-perfect news: Some of them still smell.

Eco-friendly interior latex paints are those described as low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are chemicals that help cause the sharp smell of fresh paint. Mostly solvents, they can include formaldehyde, benzene and other compounds linked to ozone depletion. They can cause eye, nose and throat irritation; nausea and headaches; and trigger asthma attacks. Worse, some of the chemicals have been linked to cancer. And off-gassing — the emission of VOCs from paint — can continue even after it has dried.

In response to these concerns and stricter government regulations, many major paint brands have produced new formulas labeled low- or no-VOC, although some of these still may contain minute amounts. It's always a good idea to open windows when painting, even with "green" paints.

Our test was not scientific. It consisted of one home-owner opening paint cans in her garage, sniffing the paint and trying it out on canvases. What she found is this:

It's worthwhile to get samples from several brands before you invest in paint. Quality varies widely.

Price isn't necessarily an indication of quality.

A paint labeled no-VOC can compare with or exceed the quality of paint labeled low-VOC.

Benjamin Moore's low-VOC Aura was clearly the best in this test, with great coverage, low drip and only a slight smell.

Aura rated third overall for interior eggshell-finish paints in a March Consumer Reports test of traditional and eco-friendly paints. Aura is the most expensive of the six paints tested, and it's an exception: In this case, price did equal quality.

Yolo Colorhouse, a new eco-friendly brand, and Olympic Premium weren't drippy or streaky and provided good coverage. Both are labeled no-VOC.

Note: Colors and finishes can greatly affect how a paint performs. The paints used in this test were an eggshell finish, with the exception of Duration, which is sold only in flat, satin and semi-gloss. We tested Duration's satin finish.

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