Volatile Organic Compounds, better known as VOC’s present in paint formulations. They are also found in printing inks, many consumer products, organic solvents and petroleum products. Motor vehicles and vessels also emit VOC’s that eventually cause air pollution and smog. 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 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 risk exists (e.g. spraying) the operator must wear a respirator complying with AS1716 and use in accordance with AS1715.
The VOCs (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 VOCs will have evaporated from the paint film. By the time the finished article reaches the end user after being coated at a factory, transported to a warehouse and then through the rest of the supply chain (e.g. retailer) it is unlikely that the coating will contain any significant quantity of VOC’s
Water-borne paints such a Mirotone’s MIROTEC water based paint have low solvent levels thus making water based paint a more environmentally responsible option.
All organic additives that evaporate from paint as it dries are classified as VOC’s, regardless of relative potential for harm. In other words, a particular organic chemical may be found in a range of food and beverages, face creams or household items, but as part of a paint formula, if it evaporates, it is considered a VOC.
To find out more about VOC’s Download our Technical Bulletin.
Reference. CSIRO – Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS) AP-D181 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC Limits)