The best solution is to use area rugs made from cotton which are easy to clean. Throw rugs can be used in combination with flooring made from other materials such as wood, ceramic tiles, cork, linoleum, and stone. Floors made from natural materials are durable and easy to maintain. VOCs contribute to smog and indoor air pollution. Water-based latex paints typically contain formaldehyde used as a preservative.
Glossy paints are higher in VOCs than flat paints.
The long-time, most popular paint used by people with chemical sensitivities has been the whole line of paints manufactured by AFM Enterprises in San Diego. This company also carries carpeting, flooring, paints and finishes, and wallpaper. A catalog is available. There are distributors in the east that carry their products. Read the label of your paint, strippers, thinners, and finishes for VOCs such as petroleum distillates, mineral spirits , chlorinated solvents, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and trichloroethane.