VOC Guide and Map
VOC Regulations from US EPA, OTC, CARB, SCAQMD and Environment Canada
These regulations reduce the amount of Volatile Organic Content (VOC) emitted from architectural and industrial maintenance (AIM) coatings. Many California areas were affected as of January 2010. Canada rules were affected in September 2010 for most categories of coatings.
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These regional VOC regulations (OTC, LADCO, CARB, SCAQMD, etc.) differ from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) national VOC standards. In general, the new regulations are more restrictive in lowering the maximum amount of VOCs allowed in these areas. USEPA regulations also permit manufacturers to pay an “exceedance fee” in order to supply non-compliant specialty products. This is not allowed in the areas adopting the new regulations.
Although the regulations affect what products distributors in these areas can buy from Vexcon after effective dates, “sell-through” provisions let distributors sell inventory of affected coatings manufactured on or before the effective dates. Sell-through dates in Canada are two years from the date the category limits go into effect.
The new regulations affect the following product categories manufactured by Vexcon:
- Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers
- Epoxy Coatings (Industrial Maintenance Coatings)
- Concrete Curing Compounds
- Cure & Seal Coatings
- Penetrating Sealers
- Water & Stain Repellents
- Form Treatments
- Paver Treatments
All Vexcon materials comply presently with US EPA VOC rules, and we have materials in every category that comply with regional limits. The tables below include example limits on a range of product categories. This information has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The most current information can be obtained by consulting the applicable agency. Consult your local, state, regional or federal authorities for more information on rules applicable to your area. Contact Vexcon Technical Services or your Vexcon representative at (215) 332-7709 or (888) 839-2661 for more information on how our materials comply with various rules.
Category Examples under Various State and Regional Standards
USA Central, South, Northwest:
National AIM rule (regulated by EPA) = US EPA AIM = Federal AIM VOC 40 CFR Part 59 Subpart D under authority of Section 183(e) of the Clean Air Act.
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Bond Breakers | 600 g/L |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Curing and Sealing Compounds | 700 g/L |
| Concrete Surface Retarders | 780 g/L |
| Form Release Compounds | 450 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance | 450 g/L |
US EPA: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/183e/aim/aimpg.html
The most recent amendment was posted February 16, 2000: “National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural Coatings-Final Rule: Amendments”.
Arizona: Maricopa County (Phoenix area) – Rule 335
| Coating Category | VOC Limit lbs/gal | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Coatings, Flat & Non Flat | 2.1 #/gal | 250 g/L |
| Bond Breakers | exempted | exempted |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 2.9 #/gal | 350 g/L |
| Waterproof Sealers | 3.3 #/gal | 400 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance | 3.5 #/gal | 420 g/L |
Arizona: http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/divisions/planning_analysis/rules/docs/335-8807.pdf
California – Consult your local authority for most current information
California is subdivided into 58 counties, 14 air basins, and 35 local districts that work independently. Some (approximately four) adopted the CARB model rule.
Several more (approximately seven) are considering adoption. Other (approximately ten) districts have adopted the previous rule. Thirteen do not have an architectural coatings rule.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has its own stricter rule; info below. This link is to a summary table (PDF and Excel) of architectural coatings rules in California as of December 2010 (districts not on the table follow US EPA)
California not including South Coast:
CARB categories, Nov 2006 new limits were effective January 2010
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Basement Specialty Coatings | 400 g/L |
| Bond Breakers | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 350 g/L |
| Concrete/Masonry Sealers | 100 g/L |
| Floor Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Form Release Compounds | 250 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance | 250 g/L |
| Mastic Texture | 100 g/L |
| Primers, Sealer and Undercoaters | 100 g/L |
| Reactive Penetrating Sealers | 350 g/L |
| Specialty Primers, Sealer, Undercoaters | 100 g/L |
| Stains | 250 g/L |
| Stone Consolidants | 450 g/L |
| Traffic Marking Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Waterproofing Membranes | 250 g/L |
CARB: http://www.arb.ca.gov/coatings/arch/VOCLimits.htm
California South Coast:
SCAQMD Rule 1113, July 1, 2007 (plus Antelope Valley/Mojave Desert)
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Bond Breakers | 350 g/L |
| Concrete-Curing Compounds | 100 g/L |
| Concrete-Curing Compounds For Roads & Bridges | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Surface Retarders | 50 g/L |
| Floor Coatings | 50 g/L |
| Form Releases | 100 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Mastic Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters | 100 g/L |
| Reactive Penetrating Sealers | 350 g/L |
| Stain | 100 g/L |
| Stains, Interior | 250 g/L |
| Waterproofing Sealers | 100 g/L |
| Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers | 100 g/L |
Rule 1113: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/rule-1103-pharmaceuticals-and-cosmetics-manufacturing-operations.pdf?sfvrsn=4
NOTE: The labels of concrete-curing compounds manufactured and used for roadways and bridges shall include the statement “FOR ROADWAYS AND BRIDGES ONLY (Not for Use on Curbs and Gutters, Sidewalks, Islands, Driveways and Other Miscellaneous Concrete Areas)” prominently displayed.
CANADA:
Canada EPA and Environment Canada: Effective September 2010 Vol. 143, No. 20 – September 30, 2009; Registration SOR/2009-264 September 9, 2009
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L | Effective Date(Anniversary of the Day on which the Regulations Come into Force) |
|---|---|---|
| Bond Breakers | 350 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 350 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Concrete Surface Retarders | 780 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Floor Coating, Any other opaque (for foot traffic) | 250 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Form Release Compounds | 250 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Industrial Maintenance Coating, Any other | 340 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Mastic Texture Coatings | 300 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters | 200 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Specialty Primers, Sealers, Under Coaters | 350 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Stain | 250 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Traffic Marking Coatings | 450 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Waterproofing Sealer, Concrete/Masonry | 400 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
| Waterproofing Sealers | 250 g/L | Sept 2010 (1st anniv.) |
Link to official Canada gazette for text of rule and chart of limits:
http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2009/2009-09-30/html/sor-dors264-eng.html
Midwest: OH, IL, MI, IN, WI
Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO) and Midwest Regional Planning Organization (MRPO). This group roughly follows OTC. http://www.ladco.org
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Bond Breakers | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Surface Retarders | 780 g/L |
| Floor Coatings | 250 g/L |
| Form-Release Compounds | 250 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance Coatings | 340 g/L |
| Mastic Texture Coatings | 300 g/L |
| Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters | 350 g/L |
| Stains | 250 g/L |
| Stone Consolidators | 450 g/L |
| Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers | 400 g/L |
| Waterproofing Sealers | 250 g/L |
Ohio standard was effective January 1, 2009.
Ohio: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dapc/regs/3745_113.aspx
Illinois standard was effective July 1, 2009.
Illinois: http://www.ipcb.state.il.us/documents/dsweb/Get/Document-65419
Indiana standard will be effective October 01, 2011.
Indiana: http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/iac_title?iact=326&iaca=8
Scroll down to Rule 14. Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Coatings
MI and WI follow US EPA rule.
Northeast, Mid-Atlantic
Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) Phase I Model Rule, January 1 2005 CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, portions of VA
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Bond Breakers | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 350 g/L |
| Floor Coatings | 250 g/L |
| Form-Release Compounds | 250 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance Coatings (NOTE: OTC Model Rule is 250 g/L; states select 340 g/L) | 340 g/L |
| Mastic Texture Coatings | 300 g/L |
| Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters | 350 g/L |
| Stains | 250 g/L |
| Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers | 400 g/L |
| Waterproofing Sealers | 250 g/L |
OTC: http://www.otcair.org
Mass.: http://www.ipcb.state.http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/air/regulations/#aimcp
Virginia: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Air/AirQualityPlans/OzoneandPM25RegionalPlanningActivities.aspx
Utah Administrative Code,
Rule 307-Environmental Quality, Air Quality
Rule 307-361-Architectural Coatings- is to limit volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission from architectural coatings. Effective July 1, 2015
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Basement Specialty Coatings | 400 g/L |
| Bond Breakers | 350 g/L |
| Concrete Curing Compounds | 350 g/L |
| Concrete/Masonry Sealers | 100 g/L |
| Form Release Compounds | 250 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance Coatings | 250 g/L |
| Mastic Texture Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters | 100 g/L |
| Reactive Penetrating Sealers | 350 g/L |
| Stains | 250 g/L |
| Stone Consolidant | 450 g/L |
| Traffic Marking Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Waterproofing Membranes | 250 g/L |
Utah Administrative Code: http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r307/r307-361.htm
LEED-Voluntary Building Ratings; not a regional program
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a program of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance. The intent is to reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
LEED® 2009 for New Construction & Major Renovations Rating System
EQ Credit 4.1/4.2 Low Emitting Materials compliance with LEED v4
http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-new-construction-v2009-current-version
http://www.usgbc.org
| Architectural Coating Category | VOC Limit g/L |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sealants | 250 g/L |
| Floor Coatings | 100 g/L |
| Industrial Maintenance Coatings | 250 g/L |
| Multicolor Coatings | 250 g/L |
| Primers & Undercoaters | 200 g/L |
| Sealers | 200 g/L |
| Stains | 250 g/L |
| Waterproofing Concrete Masonry Sealers | 400 g/L |
NOTE: Form Releases, Dissipating Curing Compounds, and other products that do not become a permanent part of the building structure are not considered eligible for contribution toward LEED credits.
http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEEDDrafts/RatingSystemVersions.aspx?CMSPageID=1458
Key to Acronyms
AIM: Architectural, Industrial, Maintenance
CARB: California Air Resource Board = Cal/EPA ARB
CEPA/EC: Canada Environmental Protection Agency/Environment Canada
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
LADCO: Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (Illinois, Indiana, Mich., Ohio, Wisc.)
LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
MRPO: Midwest Regional Planning Organization (IL, IN, Mich., Ohio, Wisc.)
OTC: Ozone Transport Commission(CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA)
SCAQMD: South Coast Air Quality Management District (California) (Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County)
VOC: Volatile Organic Compound
Information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is based solely on information available to Vexcon and the general public as of the date of this document. Vexcon does not guarantee the accuracy of this information nor make any assumptions or predications whatsoever.
Vexcon Chemicals, Inc.
7240 State Road
Philadelphia PA 19135 USA
Tel: +1 215 332-7709
Fax: +1 215 332-9997
Email: techservice@vexcon.com
https://www.vexcon.com/
