Is Benjamin Moore Element Guard Exterior Paint toxic?

No paint is risk-free, and "toxic" depends on how much you're exposed to and for how long. Here is what Benjamin Moore's own documents show. Benjamin Moore Element Guard Exterior Paint scores 16–43 out of 100 across its 15 sheens and bases. Its untinted VOC is 50 g/L. Its Safety Data Sheet carries these warnings: genetic damage warning (10 of 15 versions), reproductive warning (10 of 15 versions) and skin allergen (12 of 15 versions). We found no third-party emissions testing for it.

Health score

16–43

VOC g/L

50

Use

Exterior paint

Safety Data Sheet warnings

• Genetic damage warning10 of 15 versionsSuspected of causing genetic defects (germ cell mutagenicity), from an ingredient in the paint itself.
• Reproductive warning10 of 15 versionsSuspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
• Skin allergen12 of 15 versionsMay cause an allergic reaction.

Evidence beyond the label

• Emissions testing: none found
• Health certification: none found
• Full ingredient list (Health Product Declaration): not published

All 15 versions

• Flat · Base 1VOC <50 g/L · 1 warning43Poor
• Flat · Base 2VOC <50 g/L · 1 warning43Poor
• Flat · Base 3VOC <50 g/L · 1 warning43Poor
• Flat · WhiteVOC <50 g/L · 1 warning43Poor
• Low Lustre · Base 2VOC <50 g/L · 2 warnings21Bad
• Low Lustre · Base 3VOC <50 g/L · 2 warnings21Bad
• Low Lustre · Base 1VOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Low Lustre · Base 4VOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Low Lustre · WhiteVOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Soft Gloss · Base 1VOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Soft Gloss · Base 2VOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Soft Gloss · Base 3VOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Soft Gloss · Base 4VOC <50 g/L · 4 warnings16Bad
• Soft Gloss · WhiteVOC <50 g/L · 3 warnings16Bad
• Flat · TodosVOC <50 g/L · 0 warnings—Not enough data

Updated October 12, 2026. Scores summarize the evidence makers publish. They don't guarantee safety or predict individual health outcomes. No brand pays to be listed. How we score