Environment

VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds

VOC can be defined as organic compounds with a boiling point between 50°C and 260°C or a vapour pressure more than 0.1mm Hg 25 C. The term encompasses a very large and diverse group of carbon-containing compounds, including aliphatic, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons; aldehydes; ethers; esters; acids; alcohols and ketones.

Examples of VOCs include benzene, toluene, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, formaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride and some pesticides. Benzene is a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC), as is formaldehyde. VOCs are found in many products including paints, adhesives, building board and composite timber, fabric dressing, lacquers, some foams, some carpets and vinyl/plasticised PVC.

VOC Standards: Paints

Several Australian organisations have standards for paints including the Australian Ecolabelling Association (GECA) and the Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS D181).

GECA Standards for Paint VOCs are as follows (in grams per Litre g/L):

APAS Standards for Paint VOCs are as follows (in grams per Litre g/L):

(these levels are inclusive of maximum tint levels for tinted paints.)

Visit our downloads section to access VOC Technical Data Sheets & VOC Certificates for LOW VOC products

Low VOC Product Range

Visit our downloads section to access VOC Technical Data Sheets & VOC Certificates for LOW VOC products.