Paint and the Environment

VOCs are released from many sources, including large and small process industries, commercial transportation, and automobiles. These sources, especially automobiles, are responsible for the majority of VOC emissions. As these major sources become subject to more stringent regulation, lawmakers seek to regulate smaller sources as well.

Regulatory Changes: What's Ahead 

Regional Changes:  

On January 1, 2005, significant VOC restriction standards were enacted in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia. These states are part of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC).  Northern Virginia will expand the regulation to Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg City on January of 2008.  Connecticut has adopted their proposed AIM (OTC) regulation with an effective date of May 1, 2008, and Massachusetts has proposed an adoption date of January 1, 2009.

National Changes:

The National Architectural Industrial Maintenance (AIM) regulation was originally established in 1999. There is a new draft of the regulation that has a proposed implementation date of January 1, 2009.  The rule will be based on the current OTC model and includes the current exemption provisions. This will have a major impact on the products available throughout the country.

Contact your local Benjamin Moore Retailer to find out the availability of products.

Improved Technologies, Improved Products

Benjamin Moore has made great strides in technology through the use of new raw materials to lower VOC content in products across the board, while improving application and film performance. Products developed from this new technology are replacing current alkyd product that had higher VOC contents.

Benjamin Moore Offers Eco Spec® a low odor low VOC product that has received approval from both GreenGuard® and Green Seal®.  Recently Benjamin Moore introduced AURA® a low odor low VOC product.  This is a high performance interior product that is tinted from our new Gennex Waterborne low VOC colorant.  AURA with Color Lock® Technology offer super performance and meets the most stringent regulations in North America.

Other Benjamin Moore products that use waterborne technology include: Waterborne Satin Impervo® 314, Waterborne Urethane M73, Waterborne Polyamide Epoxy M42, and Moorcraft Super Spec® Acrylic Epoxy 256. All of these products are low odor and have low VOC content.

We have utilized the latest technology to develop VOC-compliant coatings that perform at least as well and often better than their higher VOC predecessors do. Some of the many advantages to these waterborne-based products are:

• Non-Yellowing Quality
• Coating Flexibility
• Better Gloss Retention
• Better Fade Resistance
• Low Odor
• Low VOC
• Easy Cleanup

For More VOC Information

To learn more about the VOC regulations affecting your area, please refer to the various government agencies' links listed below:

• Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)
• Maricopa.gov - Air Quality Rules
• CARB
• CARB - Coatings Rules in California
• NYSDEC - Regulations and Enforcement
• NJ DEP - Air Information
• South Coast AQMD
• Virginia DEQ - Air Regulations
• National VOC Frequently Asked Questions