Is Benjamin Moore Rust-A-Void Gloss Enamel 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 Rust-A-Void Gloss Enamel scores 3 out of 100 across its 19 sheens and bases. Its untinted VOC is 245 g/L. Its Safety Data Sheet carries these warnings: genetic damage warning (all versions), reproductive warning (all versions), cancer warning (18 of 19 versions), skin allergen (all versions) and organ toxicity warning (18 of 19 versions). We found no third-party emissions testing for it.

Health score

3

VOC g/L

245

Use

Interior paint

Safety Data Sheet warnings

• Genetic damage warningall versionsSuspected of causing genetic defects (germ cell mutagenicity), from an ingredient in the paint itself.
• Reproductive warningall versionsSuspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
• Cancer warning18 of 19 versionsContains Ethyl benzene, Methyl ethyl ketoxime, Cobalt bis(2-ethylhexanoate), a suspected carcinogen present in the paint itself, not only as dust.
• Skin allergenall versionsMay cause an allergic reaction.
• Organ toxicity warning18 of 19 versionsMay affect organs through repeated or high exposure (for example solvent vapors).
• Aspiration hazardall versionsMay be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
• Flammableall versionsKeep away from heat and flames.
• Cancer warning (dust only)1 of 19 versionsListed ingredients are hazards as inhaled dust. Wear a mask when sanding or spraying.

Evidence beyond the label

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

All 19 versions

• Accent BaseVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Accent BaseVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Battleship GrayVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Battleship GrayVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• BlackVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• BlackVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Safety BlueVOC 245 g/L · 7 warnings3Bad
• Safety BlueVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Safety OrangeVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Safety RedVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Safety RedVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Safety YellowVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Safety YellowVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Silver GrayVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Silver GrayVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Tint BaseVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Tint BaseVOC 245 g/L · 10 warnings3Bad
• Tintable WhiteVOC 245 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Tintable WhiteVOC 245 g/L · 10 warnings3Bad

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