{"id":9217,"date":"2019-02-01T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T14:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulprospector.com\/knowledge\/?p=9217"},"modified":"2019-02-22T06:55:12","modified_gmt":"2019-02-22T12:55:12","slug":"pc-reducing-vocs-in-paint-formulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ulprospector.ul.com\/9217\/pc-reducing-vocs-in-paint-formulations\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing VOCs in Paint Formulations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PaintThe phrase \u201cReducing VOCs\u201d is easily interpreted differently, depending on an individual\u2019s function and interest. One may interpret it as existing and evolving technologies and techniques to achieve any reductions in Volatile Organic Compounds. Any discussion should include approaches that are a bit unheralded or relatively unknown as well.<\/p>\n

Another elucidation would be to review the latest changes in regulations regarding VOC reductions and current levels. \u00a0Even that is complex, with differing regulations in various US geographies as well as large global variances.<\/p>\n

And yet another would be to discuss the differences between VOCs, HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants) and Exempt Solvents. This article will address all to some degree. And although VOCs are usually viewed as man-made, there are many examples of naturally-occurring VOCs.<\/p>\n

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Defining and measuring VOCs<\/h3>\n

In any of the cases, there has to be a reliable and reproducible method to measure baseline VOCs, and any variance after \u00a0any changes are made in a system. Even in that regard, the methods differ and the definition of VOCs vary by country\/region:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Country\/region<\/strong><\/td>\nVOC definition<\/strong><\/td>\nRegulatory Body<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Canada<\/td>\norganic compounds that have boiling points roughly in the range of 50 to 250 \u00b0C (122 to 482 \u00b0F) that would effect air quality<\/td>\nHealth Canada<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EU<\/td>\nAny organic compound having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250 \u00b0C (482 \u00b0F) measured at a standard atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa.<\/td>\nVOC Solvents Emissions Directive
\nREACH<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
China<\/td>\nCompounds that have originated from automobiles, industrial production and civilian use, burning of all types of fuels, storage and transportation of oils, fitment finish, coating for furniture and machines, cooking oil fume and fine particles<\/td>\nChinese EEP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
India<\/td>\nmonitors oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), fine particulate matter (PM10) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) (does not differentiate VOCs)<\/td>\nCentral Pollution Control Board<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
United States<\/td>\n40 CFR 51.1000, volatile organic compounds refer to any compound of carbon which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions; excludes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates and ammonium carbonate.<\/td>\nEPA, OSHA, CARB
\nTest methods:
\nEPA 24, ASTM D6886 and SCAQMD method 313<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Exempt solvents<\/h3>\n

The list of exempt solvents – those that are not considered to be photochemically reactive and therefore do not contribute to SMOG or air pollution – has been vacillating globally to include\/exclude one or two materials. In the US, the current exempt list consists of:<\/p>\n