|  | The non-reportable VOC status of LVP Fluids is limited on a national basis to 24 specific categories of consumer products listed in the National Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Rule. LVP Fluids are considered reportable VOCs when used in consumer architectural paints, aerosol paints or in any regulated industrial application.
USEPA
National Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Standards for Consumer Products promulgated in 1998 regulates the VOC content of 24 consumer product categories. Ingredients exempt from the VOC content limit (for all categories except charcoal lighter fluids) include substances: (1) having a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20°C; or (2) consisting of more than 12 carbon atoms, if the vapor pressure is unknown; or (3) having a melting point higher than 20°C and which do not sublime (i.e., does not change directly from a solid into a gas without melting), if the vapor pressure in unknown.
Certification:
The federal regulation allows consumer product manufacturers to use vapor pressure data provided by ingredient suppliers as long as the supplier uses a method to determine vapor pressure that is generally accepted by the scientific community. For hydrocarbon solvents that are complex (i.e., contain numerous constituents and isomers) and which are supplied on a specification basis for use in a consumer product, the vapor pressure of the total hydrocarbon solvent may be used to demonstrate conformance with the 0.1 mmHg (@ 20°C) vapor pressure threshold. Identification of the concentration and vapor pressure for each component in a complex hydrocarbon solvent is not required.
California
California Consumer Products Regulation exempts LVP-VOCs from the VOC content of over 96 categories of specifically regulated consumer products. This Regulation defines LVP-VOC as a compound or mixture which contains at least one carbon atom and meets one of the following: (a) has a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20°C as determined by California Air Resources Board's (ARB) Method 310, section 3.6.3; or (b) is a compound with more than 12 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprised solely of compounds with more than 12 carbon atoms and the vapor pressure is unknown; or (c) is a compound with a boiling point greater than 216°C as determined by ARB method 310 section 3.6.2; or (d) is the weight percent of a mixture that boils above 216°C as determined by ARB Method 310, section 3.6.2. For the purposes of this definition, "compound" means a molecule of definite chemical formula and isomeric structure, and "mixture" means a substance comprised of two or more compounds.
Certification:
To qualify for the LVP-VOC exemption for consumer products sold in the State of California, the LVP Fluid must pass the specific test protocol established in California Air Resources Board Method 310, as amended November 1998. Vapor Pressure is determined using the Isoteniscope method (ASTM 2879-97 as modified inCalifornia Air Resources Board Method 310). Boiling points of LVP Fluids are determined using ASTM D86-96. In the case of complex, multiple component solvents, if the initial boiling point is found to be less than 216°C, the solvent may qualify for partial LVP-VOC status if some portion of the solvent boils above 216°C using the same method.
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