The term ‘volatile’ refers to a solid or liquid that readily evaporates at a normal temperature.  An organic compound is one based on carbon and hydrogen.  Therefore, Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at normal temperature and pressure.  Many solvents, aerosol propellants, and petroleum distillates are VOC’s. 

Why are we concerned about VOC’s?

VOC’s are an ingredient in the formation of ground-level ozone, also known as ‘smog’.  Smog contributes to respiratory problems for humans and animals, and extended exposure can lead to asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis.  Peak smog levels typically occur during hot, dry, stagnant summertime conditions.

How are VOC’s regulated?

The EPA has developed air quality standards for ground-level ozone and requires states to monitor and maintain ‘safe’ levels of ozone through permitting and regulatory initiatives.  Some VOC’s are more reactive than others and more readily produce smog.  VOC’s with a very low reactivity, such as acetone and perchloroethylene, are exempt from the regulations. 

In order to meet the federal standards, several states have created regulations that limit the amount of VOC’s in consumer products.  California was the first state, in 1989, to set VOC limits by product type and category.  Since then, they have amended their regulation several times to include new product categories and to lower some previously established limits.  Other groups of states have followed California’s lead and have created ‘Model’ Consumer Products VOC Rules that can be adopted by member states.  One group is called the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) and includes Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.  Another group is the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium and consists of states that border Lake Michigan.  Some of these states adopted VOC regulations as early as 1/1/2005 and others are currently considering them.

What is CRC doing about VOC’s?

CRC has been diligently following all regulatory developments regarding VOC’s in order to provide compliant products for our customers.  While many of our products already meet the VOC requirements, some have been reformulated to meet new requirements. 

Customers can easily determine which of our products meet VOC limits for California and other states using various resources on CRC’s website (www.crcindustries.com).  Customers can search for a specific product from CRC’s homepage.  The product page lists VOC compliance information for that specific product and has links to the product label and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).  Customers can find the % VOC content in Section 9 of our product MSDS’s.  The product label may also include VOC information.  A master list of CRC’s regulated products can be found under ‘Product Support’ on CRC’s Electrical & Industrial websites and under ‘FAQ’s on CRC’s Automotive & Marine websites.