Is Benjamin Moore Rust-A-Void Semi-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 Semi-Gloss Enamel scores 3 out of 100 across its 6 sheens and bases. Its untinted VOC is 384 g/L. Its Safety Data Sheet carries these warnings: genetic damage warning (all versions), cancer warning (all versions), reproductive warning (all versions), skin allergen (all versions) and organ toxicity warning (all versions). We found no third-party emissions testing for it.

Health score

3

VOC g/L

384

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.
• Cancer warningall versionsContains Ethyl benzene, Cobalt bis(2-ethylhexanoate), a suspected carcinogen present in the paint itself, not only as dust.
• Reproductive warningall versionsSuspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
• Skin allergenall versionsMay cause an allergic reaction.
• Organ toxicity warningall 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.

Evidence beyond the label

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

All 6 versions

• Accent BaseVOC 384 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Accent BaseVOC 384 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Tint BaseVOC 384 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• Tint BaseVOC 384 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• WhiteVOC 384 g/L · 8 warnings3Bad
• WhiteVOC 384 g/L · 8 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