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Emissions of volatile organic compounds or VOCs to the outdoors are generally regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent the formation of ozone, a constituent of photochemical smog. Many VOCs form ground-level ozone by “reacting” with sources of oxygen molecules in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight.
Volatile organic compounds have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. The European Union goes on to say that a VOC is any organic compound having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250°C measured at a standard atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals. Sources of VOCs include:
VOC controls for products are usually based on the application of products like:
Anyone who works with these four categories may be impacted by VOC regulations.
The following are some of the labeling and reporting VOC requirements:
Automobile Refinish Coatings (40 CFR 59 Subpart B)
Consumer Products (40 CFR 59 Subpart C)
Architectural Coatings (40 CFR 59 Subpart D)
Aerosol Coatings (40 CFR 59 Subpart E)