Paint It Green

The environmental friendliness and general safety of paint have long been in dispute, and the green revolution is further fueling the fire. We all know that lead-based paints are B-A-D BAD, but that is merely skimming the surface in terms of the volatile chemicals used.  
 
Oil-based paints are getting a bad wrap from environmentalists, but designers and painters claim that the quality, sheen and staying power cannot be replicated in other ways. Milk-based paints are emerging as the eco-friendly choice, but often times they require more coats, meaning more time and money. As with many green issues, there is usually a trade-off like this: Safety first, at any cost.
 
The EPA is currently considering national standards that would further restrict the selling and use of oil-based paints. And while the cost disparity is significant between oil-based paints ($35-42) and eco-friendly paints ($54.95), most of the increase is due to all the research necessary to explore the safety of the new paints.

Do you think the benefits outweigh the costs? [Nytimes.com]