There are numerous sources of VOC’s. For this blog, we will focus on paints, paint strippers and solvents*.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOC’s generally present as a unique ingredient or as a component of an ingredient/manufactured intermediate that has:
- A vapour pressure >0.01mm HG at 21°C or,
- An initial boiling point <250°C measured at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPA.
VOC levels are classified as a very low to very high.
| Very High | >250 g/L |
| High | 100-249 g/L |
| Moderate | 50-99 g/L |
| Low | 5-49 g/L |
| Very Low | <5 g/L |
Mirotone coatings are formulated for industrial application and are required to be applied in well-exhausted spray or sanding booths complying with Australian Standard AS 4114: Spray Booth. If inhalation risks exist (e.g., spraying) the operator must wear a respirator complying with AS1716 and use in accordance with AS1715.
VOC’s (solvents) evaporate from the coating as it dries. Mirotone coatings are industrial coatings and are formulated with fast evaporating solvents which are quickly released from the film. Within 24 hours nearly all VOC’s will have evaporated from the paint film.
All organic additives that evaporate from paint as it dries are classified as VOC’s, regardless of relative potential for harm. If it evaporates, it is considered a VOC.
Water-Borne paints such as Mirotone’s MIROTEC WB Water Based Coatings are low VOC making them ideal for use on domestic furniture, children’s toys, and furniture. Picture frames, musical instruments, and antique restoration. MIROTEC WB 8052 Clear Polyurethane Water Based Topcoat is also ideal for use on bar and tabletops, bathroom vanities and commercial work. Learn more about MIROTEC WB Clear Coatings.
In order to minimise the level of VOC’s released, external bodies such as Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) established a “Green Star” Industry Standards in order to control the level of VOC solvents that can be incorporated into various paints during manufacture.
MIROTEC WB 8022 & 8060 Clear Water Based Sealer & Topcoat & MIROTEC WB 8126 Pigmented Undercoat comply with the following standards (VOC calculated in accordance with APAS Document D181): Green Building Council Australia: Green Star – Office Design v3 & Office As Built v3, Table IEQ-13.1; Maximum TVOC Content Limits for Paints, Varnishes and Protective Coatings (Maximum limit for Trim – gloss, semi-gloss, satin, varnishes and wood stains – 75 g/L).
So, what are some steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to VOC’s?
- Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOC’s
- Wear appropriate respiratory equipment and use an AUS/NZ compliant spray booth
- Follow any label precautions according to manufacturer’s directions
- Store unused product according to manufacturer’s directions
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Dispose paint tins according to manufacturer directions and state laws
For more information on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) Download Mirotone’s Technical Bulletin.
References
- Sai Global: Australian Standard AS/NZ 2311 “The Painting of Buildings”
- Green Building Council of Australia www.gbca.org.au
- Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation www.apmf.asn.au
- CSIRO – Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS) AP-D181 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC Limits)
* Common sources of VOC include:
- paints, paint strippers and other solvents
- wood preservatives
- aerosol sprays
- cleansers and disinfectants
- moth repellents and air fresheners
- stored fuels and automotive products
- hobby supplies
- dry-cleaned clothing
- pesticide
Other products, including:
- building materials and furnishings
- office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
- graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.