Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing chemical compounds that readily evaporate into the atmosphere. Common examples of things that emit VOCs into the atmosphere include gasoline, mineral spirits, alcohol, nail polish, adhesives, and paint.

VOC Laws

VOCs are released from many sources, including large and small process industries, commercial transportation, and automobiles. These sources, especially automobiles, are responsible for the majority of VOC emissions. As these major sources become subject to more stringent regulation, lawmakers seek to regulate smaller sources as well.

Regulatory Changes: What's Ahead

Regional Changes:  

On January 1, 2005, significant VOC restriction standards were enacted in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia. These states are part of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC).  Northern Virginia expanded the regulation to Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg City on January of 2008.  Connecticut has adopted their proposed AIM (OTC) regulation with an effective date of May 1, 2008, and Massachusetts has proposed an adoption date of January 1, 2009.

National Changes:

The National Architectural Industrial Maintenance (AIM) regulation was originally established in 1989. There is a new draft of the regulation that has a proposed implementation date of January 1, 2009.  The rule will be based on the current OTC model and includes the current exemption provisions. This will have a major impact on the products available throughout the country.

Source: Benjamin Moore