With respect to environmental issues, United States regulations governing use of adhesives and sealants are constrained to the area of Air Quality. Over the past two decades worldwide, regulations have been developed which limit the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentration in adhesives and sealants. VOCs contribute to detrimental air quality. Some VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the air in the presence of sunlight to form ozone. Although ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere because it absorbs UV thus protecting humans, plants, and animals from exposure to dangerous solar radiation, it poses a health threat in the lower atmosphere by causing respiratory problems.
Definitions of VOCs vary. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states VOCs are defined as "any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions," but also includes a list of dozens of exceptions for compounds "determined to have negligible photochemical reactivity".
Under European law, the definition is based on evaporation into the atmosphere, rather than reactivity. For example European Union Directive 2004/42/CE which covers VOC emissions from paints and varnishes defines a VOC as 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. Directive 94/63/EC which regulates VOC emissions from storage and distribution of petrol simply defines vapours as any gaseous compound which evaporates from petrol.
U.S. Federal Standards
At the federal level, there is currently no over-arching Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation prescribing maximum VOC concentrations for either industrial or consumer applications. However, recently the EPA has indicated an interest in drafting such a national standard. We will report back as developments warrant.
U.S. State Standards
Industrial/Commercial Applications
California is the only state that has taken the lead in crafting VOC limits for a variety of products, including adhesives and sealants. The state is divided up into 13 Air Quality Management Districts (AQMD)/Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD), each with its own set of VOC limits prescribed by product. The most stringent standards are set by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which not surprisingly encompasses the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
If you are doing business in the state of California, refer to the documents below which outline VOC limits by type of product for each district in California.
Not surprisingly, California's Air Resources Board (CARB) has mandated limits on VOCs for a variety of consumer products used around the house and home, including adhesives and sealants. Retailers and distributors who sell to the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) market are required to follow CARB's regulations, detailed below, accordingly.
CARB Consumer Rule: The prescribed maximum limits listed below are based on a weight percentage of Total VOC to Total Product:
US Non-Governmental Organizations - Green Building Guidelines
The "green building" industry has experienced high growth over the past several years. While not required by US federal or state law, several US non-governmental organizations have developed "green building' rating systems that dictate requirements of construction to certify structures are classified as "green". To learn more, click here.