On average, typical westerners spend more than 90 per cent of their life indoors [1]. As none of us want to live in an unhealthy environment, the safety profile of the paints we use indoors is paramount. This has resulted in an increasing demand for water-based paints free of volatile, harmful and allergenic substances, such as preservatives. However, it can be difficult for consumers to keep track of the various potentially harmful compounds, which is why we rely on eco-labels and statements such as "preservative-free". Stricter regulations also reflect the growing desire of consumers ...