EPA Accepts ASTM D 6886 GC Method
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - At the most recent ASTM D01.21.15 meeting, it was reported that the U.S. EPA has agreed to accept ASTM D 6886 GC Method for low-VOC waterborne coatings as an alternative method for VOC determination. This will be written into Federal EPA Method 24 as an acceptable alternative method. This GC method is essentially identical to ISO Method 11890, already agreed to by European Union member countries. Consequently, ISO and ASTM are using equivalent methods. One difference in VOC definition is that Texanol is considered a VOC in the United States but not in the EU. According to D 6886, VOC may include all organic compounds up to and including Texanol (bp=260 oC). This definition is not likely to change. In the EU, compounds with a boiling point <250 degrees Celsius are considered VOCs (diethyl adipate is their boiling point marker compound). ISO may revise its boiling point limit upwards in the next 1-2 years.