Puzzled by Global VOC and Emission Standards in Architectural Paints?
Jennifer Cogar, Global Application Technology Leader, Architectural Coatings, Eastman Chemical Co., recently presented a webinar on the global volatile organic compound (VOC) and emissions standards for architectural paints. Following is key information gleaned from her presentation. For a more detailed understanding of the “standards puzzle”, you can view the webinar on demand at www.pcimag.com/events.
A: Regulation of VOC is focused on reducing ozone and impact on the environment. To accomplish this goal, the regulations focus on the VOC content in the can. In-can content regulations are defined for both raw materials and final formulations. The materials that are defined as VOC in architectural coatings vary by region. In comparison, emissions are more concerned about the quality of indoor air and the impact on human health. For emissions, the focus is on emission of organic compounds from dry paint films, and this is defined for the entire formulation.