Evaluation of low-VOC latex paints
The paper gives results of an evaluation of four commercially available low-VOC (volatile organic compound) latex paints as substitutes for conventional latex paints by assessing both their emission characteristics and their performance as coatings. Bulk analysis indicated that the VOC contents of all four paints are considerably lower than those of conventional latex paints. Low-VOC emissions were confirmed by small chamber emission tests. However, sigificant emissions of several aldehydes, especially formaldehyde, were detected from two of the paints. ASTM methods were used to evaluate the hiding power, scrubbability, washability, dry to touch, and yellowing index. The results indicated that one of the low-VOC paints tested showed performance equivalent or superior to that of a widely used conventional latex paint used as a control. It was concluded that low-VOC latex paint can be a viable option to replace conventional latex paints for prevention of indoor air pollution. However, paints marketed as low-VOC may still have significant emissions of some individual VOCs, and some may not have performance characteristics matching those of conventional latex paints.
- Research Organization:
- ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC (United States); Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Lab., Research Triangle Park, NC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USEPA; Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 6095469
- Report Number(s):
- PB-99-171522/XAB; CNN: EPA-68-D4-0005
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Paper presented at Indoor Air '99, August 8--13, 1999, Edinburgh (GB)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EMISSION
FORMALDEHYDE
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
LATEX
MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PAINTS
VOLATILE MATTER
AIR POLLUTION
ALDEHYDES
COATINGS
ELASTOMERS
EVALUATION
MATTER
MONITORING
ORGANIC POLYMERS
POLLUTION
POLYMERS
RUBBERS
540120* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
320302 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Materials