Consumer Products

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content Limits & Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) Limits

 

Introduction

This document summarizes the regulations in several states affecting the content limits of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) limits for Consumer Products. In many states, VOC content limits for Aerosols, Adhesives and Sealants, Diluents and Cleaners and other categories are grouped under Consumer Products regulations. You will find these specific regulations on other pages in this site. There are numerous Consumer Products not included in any of these specific categories, so we created this page to capture all Consumer Products VOC regulations. There is considerable overlap between this page and the specific pages. The most comprehensive regulations are issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) which has the responsibility for Consumer Products VOC regulations for the state of California. Many states and jurisdictions have simply adopted the CARB limits as they currently exist in late 2014, as described below. For a quick introduction on how to most easily interpret these pages, link to How to Use the VOC and MIR Rules.

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California Air Resources Board (CARB)

In 2013, CARB tightened regulations on the emissions of VOCs from Aerosols in the Consumer Products and Aerosol Coatings Rules. New tighter regulations go into effect on January 1, in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Here are the current limits and the changes to go into effect: Tables of VOC changes enacted by CARB: Source:http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2013/cp2013/cp2013froconsumer.pdf

California Air Resources Board (CARB)VOC Limits: section 94509
Consumer ProductsCurrent Limit% by weightNew Limit% by weightEffective Date
Aerosol7575current
Mist Spray Adhesive65301/1/2017
Screen Printing Adhesive55551/1/2017
Web Spray Adhesive55401/1/2017
Special Purpose Spray Adhesive
Automobile Headliner Adhesive6565current
Automobile Engine Compartment Adhesive7070current
Flexible Vinyl Adhesive7070current
Laminate Repair / Edgebanding Adhesive6060current
Mounting Adhesive7070current
Polyolefin Adhesive6060current
Polystyrene Foam Adhesive6565current
Screen Printing Adhesive551/1/2017
Construction, Panel or Floor Covering Adhesive77current
Hair Finishing Spray5555current
Insecticide: Flea or Tick2525Current
Lubricant: Multi-purpose (excl solid or semisolid products)251012/31/2018
Multi-purpose solvent:
Aerosol101/1/2016
Non aerosol
SCAQMD +25 g/litre1/1/2015
Outside SCAQMD33current
Paint Thinner
Aerosol101/1/2016
Non aerosol
SCAQMD +25 g/litre1/1/2015
Outside SCAQMD33current

+ Source: http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regact/2013/consumer%20products%20updated%20draft%202013%20proposed%20amendments%20042213.pdfpg 21 94509(p)(4)(B) + Note: non-aerosol Multi-purpose Solvent and Paint Thinners have a VOC content limit of 25 g/liter effective 1/1/2015 for Consumer Products sold in SCAQMD. Elsewhere in the state of California, the limit is 3% VOC by weight. Definitions of different Aerosol Adhesive have been defined more precisely.

CARB – Global Warming Potential

The revised CARB Consumer Products regulations introduces a third component of regulations (joining VOC content limits and Maximum Incremental Reactivity): Global Warming Potential (GWP). In certain product categories, any chemical compound which has a GWP value of 150 or greater will be prohibited, as summarized below:

California Air Resources Board (CARB)GWP Limits:

section 94509(n)(1)
Product CategoryEffective Date
Aerosol Adhesive
Mist Spray Adhesive1/1/2017
Screen Printing Adhesive1/1/2017
Web Spray Adhesive1/1/2017
Double Phase Aerosol Air Freshenercurrent
Flying Bug Insecticidecurrent
Furniture Maintenance Productcurrent
Lubricant:Anti-Seize LubricantCutting or Tapping OilGear, Chain, or Wire LubricantRust Preventative or Rust Control Lubricantcurrent
Metal Polish or Cleansercurrent
Multi-purpose Solvent
aerosol1/1/2016
Non aerosolCurrent
Paint Thinner
aerosol1/1/2016
Non aerosolcurrent
Pressurized Gas Dustercurrent
Spot Removercurrent
Wasp or Hornet Insecticidecurrent

 

General Consumer Products Regulations in CARB

Apart from the changing regulations detailed above, CARB Consumer Products Regulations has 2 Articles which capture all the VOC content limit regulations.   Article 2: Regulation for Reducing Emissions from Consumer Products (THE “GENERAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS REGULATION”) (Includes 2012 amendments, effective 07-01-13): The table below is reproduced from this Article. This table does not include the effect of the changes described above which were adopted after 7/1/13. Where there is a more recent regulation, the reader is referred to the tables above. Table of Standards Percent Volatile Organic Compound by Weight Source: http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regs/2012/article2080913.pdf pg 54

Product CategoryVOC Standard
AerosolRevised – see above
Mist Spray AdhesiveRevised – see above
Web Spray AdhesiveRevised – see above
Special Purpose Spray AdhesiveMounting, Automotive Engine Compartment, and Flexible Vinyl AdhesivePolystyrene Foam and Automobile HeadlinerAdhesivePolyolefin and Laminate Repair/Edgebanding AdhesiveRevised – see above
Construction, Panel, and Floor CoveringRevised – see above
Contact80
Contact Adhesive – General Purpose55
Contact Adhesive – Special Purpose80
General Purpose10
Adhesive Remover
Floor or Wall Covering Adhesive Remover5
Gasket or Thread Locking Adhesive Remover50
General Purpose Adhesive Remover20
Specialty Adhesive Remover70
Air Freshener
Double Phase Aerosol20
Single Phase Aerosol30
Dual Purpose Air Freshener/Disinfectant aerosol60
liquid/pump spray18
solid/semisolid3
Anti-static Product
aerosol80
Non aerosol11
Astringent/Toner35
Automotive Rubbing or Polishing Compound all forms17
Automotive Wax/Polish/Sealant/Glaze
all other forms15
hard paste wax45
instant detailer3
Automotive Windshield Washer Fluid
Type “A” areas25
Non type “A” areas1
Bathroom and Tile Cleaner
aerosol7
all other forms5
Non aerosol1
Brake Cleaner10
Bug and Tar Remover40
Carburetor or Fuel-injection Air Intake Cleaner10
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner
aerosol7
Non aerosol (dilutable)0.1
Non aerosol (ready-to-use)1
Charcoal Lighter Material
Disinfectant
aerosol70
Non aerosol1
Dusting Aid
aerosol17
Non aerosol3
Electrical Cleaner45
Electronic Cleaner75
Engine Degreaser50
aerosol10
Fabric Protectant
aerosol60
Non aerosol1
Fabric Refresher
aerosol15
Non aerosol6
Fabric Softener – Single Use Dryer Product
Floor Maintenance Product1
Floor Polish or Wax
Resilient Flooring Material1
Non resilient Flooring Material1
Wood Floor Wax70
Floor Wax Stripper
Footwear or Leather Care Product
aerosol75
solid55
all other forms15
Furniture Maintenance Product
aerosol12
all other forms (except solid/paste forms)7
Non aerosol (except solid/paste forms)3
General Purpose Cleaner
aerosol and non-aerosol10
aerosol8
Non aerosol0.5
General Purpose Degreaser
aerosol50
Non aerosol0.5
Glass Cleaner
aerosol10
Non aerosol3
Graffiti Remover
aerosol50
Non aerosol30
Hair Mousse6
Hair Shine55
Hair SprayRevised – see above
Hair Styling Gel6
Hair Styling Product
aerosol and pump spray6
all other forms2
Heavy-duty Hand Cleaner or Soap
all forms8
Non aerosol1
Insect Repellent: aerosol65
Insecticide
Crawling Bug Insecticide (all forms)20
aerosol15
Flea and Tick InsecticideRevised – see above
Flying Bug Insecticide (all forms)35
aerosol20
Fogger45
Lawn or Garden Insecticide (all forms)20
Non aerosol3
Wasp or Hornet Insecticide10
Laundry Prewash
aerosol/solid22
all other forms5
Laundry Starch/Sizing/Fabric Finish Product4.5
Lubricant
Anti-Seize Lubricant
aerosol40
Non aerosol3
Cutting or Tapping Oil
aerosol25
Non aerosol3
Gear, Chain, or Wire Lubricant
aerosol25
Non aerosol3
Multi-purpose Lubricant (excluding solid or semisolid products)#10
Penetrant25
Rust Preventative or Rust Control Lubricant
aerosol25
Non aerosol3
Silicone-based Multi-purpose Lubricant (excluding solid or semisolid products)60
Metal Polish or Cleanser30
aerosol15
Non aerosol3
Motor Vehicle Wash – non-aerosol0.2
Multi-purpose SolventRevised – see above
Nail Polish Remover1
Nonselective Terrestrial Herbicide: non-aerosol3
Odor Remover/Eliminator
aerosol25
Non aerosol6
Oven or Grill Cleaner
Aerosol / pump spray8
aerosol8
liquid5
Non aerosol4
Paint Remover or Stripper50
Paint ThinnerRevised – see above
Personal Fragrance Product
products with 20% or less fragrance75
products with 20% or more fragrance65
Pressurized Gas Duster1
Rubber /Vinyl Protectant:
aerosol10
Non aerosol3
Sanitizer
aerosol70
Non aerosol1
Sealant or Caulking Compound
All forms4
Chemically Curing nonaerosol3
Nonchemically Curing nonaerosol1.5
Shaving Cream5
Shaving Gel4
Spot Remover
aerosol15
Non aerosol3
Temporary Hair Color: aerosol55
Tire or Wheel Cleaner
aerosol8
Non aerosol2
Tire Sealant and Inflator20
Toilet/Urinal Care Product
aerosol10
Non aerosol3
Undercoating: aerosol40
Windshield Water Repellent75
Wood Cleaner
aerosol17
Non aerosol4

Article 3: Regulation for Reducing the Ozone Formed from Aerosol Coating Product Emissions, and the Tables of Maximum Incremental Reactivity Values There is a table of VOC weight limits starting on page 110 of this Article. The regulations are dated 1996. These VOC weight limit regulations has been superseded by MIR regulations which are is a separate table starting on page 112. However, these MIR restrictions will be tightened, as shown in the Tables of MIR changes enacted by CARB included on the Aerosols page. Essentially, both the tables have been superseded and so are not reproduced here. CARB Enforcement: CARB enforces its VOC regulations strictly.

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Consumer Products Regulations Enacted by other Jurisdictions

 

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)

Typically, SCAQMD has the tightest and most comprehensive VOC regulations. However, CARB takes the lead in regulating Consumer Products VOC emissions. SCAQMD has no additional regulations. Other jurisdictions adopt SCAQMD or CARB regulations by reference. Here are Consumer Products regulations promulgated by other jurisdictions:

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Massachusetts

The VOC regulations are published in one long document, 310 CMR 7.00 Air Pollution Control Regulations. Note: these limits appear to be the same as the old limits issued by CARB. It is likely that Massachusetts will follow CARB and enact CARB’s new tougher limits. VOC Content Limits for Consumer Products Effective January 1, 2009 Source: Table 2. VOC Content Limits for Consumer Products Effective January 1, 2009, starting page 523.

Coating Category% VOC by Weight
Adhesive Removers
Floor or Wall Covering5
Gasket or Thread Locking50
General Purpose20
Specialty70
Adhesives:
Aerosol: Mist Spray65
Aerosol : Web Spray55
Special Purpose Spray Adhesives:
Mounting; Automotive Engine Compartment; Flexible Vinyl70
Polystyrene Foam and Automobile Headliner65
Polyolefin and Laminate Repair/Edgebanding60
Construction, Panel, and Floor Covering15
Contact:
General Purpose55
Special Purpose80
General Purpose10
Structural Waterproof15
Air Fresheners
Single-phase Aerosols30
Double-phase Aerosols25
Liquids/pump Sprays18
Solids/Semisolid3
Anti-Perspirants:
Aerosol40 HVOC +
10 MVOC ++
Non aerosol0 HVOC
0 MVOC
+ HIGH VOLATILITY ORGANIC COMPOUND (HVOC) means any volatile organic compound that exerts a vapor pressure greater than 80 millimeters of mercury when measured at 20 oC.
++ MEDIUM VOLATILITY ORGANIC COMPOUND (MVOC) means any volatile organic compound that exerts a vapor pressure greater than two millimeters of mercury and less than or equal to 80 millimeters of mercury when measured at 20 oC.
Anti-static: Non-aerosol11
Automotive Brake Cleaners45
Automotive Rubbing or Polishing Compound17
Automotive Wax, Polish, Sealant or Glaze:
Hard Paste Waxes45
Instant Detailers3
All other forms15
Automotive Windshield Washer Fluids35
Bathroom and Tile Cleaners:
Aerosol7
All other forms5
Bug and Tar Remover40
Carburetor or Fuel-injections Air Intake Cleaners45
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners
Aerosols7
Non aerosols (Dilutables)0.1
Non Aerosols (Ready to Use)3.0
Cooking Spray Aerosols18
Deodorants
Aerosol0 HVOC +
10 MVOC ++
Non aerosol0 HVOC
0 MVOC
All other forms except Solid or Paste7
Dusting Aids
Aerosols25
All other forms7
Engine Degreasers
Aerosol35
Non aerosol5
Electrical Cleaner45
Electronic Cleaner75
Fabric Refreshers
Aerosol15
Non aerosol6
Floor Polishes / waxes
Products for Flexible Flooring Materials7
Products for non-resilient Flooring10
Wood Floor Wax90
Footwear or Leather Care Products
Aerosol75
Solid55
All other forms15
Furniture Maintenance Products Aerosols17
Graffiti Remover
Aerosol50
Non aerosol30
General Purpose Cleaners50
Aerosol10
Non aerosol4
General Purpose Degreasers
Aerosol50
Non aerosol4
Glass Cleaners
Aerosol12
Non aerosol4
Hair Mousses6
Hair Shines55
Hair Styling Products
Aerosols and Pump Sprays6
All other forms2
Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner or Soap8
Insecticides:
Crawling Bug Aerosols15
Crawling Bug (all other forms)20
Flea and Tick25
Flying Bug Aerosols25
Flying Bug all other forms35
Foggers45
Lawn and Garden (all other forms)20
Lawn and Garden (Non aerosols)3
Wasp and Hornet40
Laundry Prewash
Aerosol / Solid22
All other forms5
Laundry Starch Products5
Metal Polishes / Cleansers30
Multi-purpose lubricant (excl solid or semisolid products)50
Nail Polish Remover75
Non-selective Terrestrial Herbicide: Non aerosols3
Oven Cleaners
Aerosols and Pump Sprays8
Liquids5
Paint Remover or Stripper50
Penetrants50
Rubber and Vinyl Protectants
Aerosol10
Non aerosol3
Sealants and Caulking Compounds4
Shaving Gel5
Silicone-based Multi-purpose Lubricants (excl solid or semisolid products)60
Spot Removers
Aerosol25
Non aerosol8
Tire Sealants and Inflators20
Toilets and Urinal Care Products
Aerosol10
Non aerosol3
Undercoating Aerosols40
Wood Cleaner17
Aerosol17
Non aerosol4

Note: If a product meets more than one of the definitions specified in 310 CMR 7.25(12)(b) for Special Purpose Spray Adhesive, then the VOC limit for the product shall be the lowest applicable VOC limit specified in 310 CMR 7.25(12)(c)1.: Table 2.

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Texas

The only reference to Consumer Products is a restriction on automotive windshield washer fluid to no more than 23.5% by weight.

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Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)

The OTC states: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, followed CARB’s emission limits in the table above in their OTC Model Rule for Consumer Products. However, there are some differences and the Table of Standards is reproduced below: Table of Standards (%VOC by weight) Effective 1/1/2005 Source: OTC Model Rule for Consumer Products pg 24

Consumer Products Product Category Effective Date

1/1/2005
AdhesivesAerosol: Mist Spray Web Spray Special Purpose Spray Adhesives: Mounting, Automotive Engine Compartment, and Flexible Vinyl Polystyrene Foam and Automotive Headliner Polylolefin and Laminate Repair / Egdebanding Contact Construction, Panel, and Floor Covering General Purpose Structural Waterproof65

55

70

65

60

80

15

10

15
Air FreshenersSingle-Phase AerosolsDouble-Phase AerosolsLiquids / Pump Sprays Solids / Gels30

25

183
AntiperspirantsAerosol Non-Aerosol40 HVOC

10 MVOC

0 HVOC

0 MVOC
Automotive Brake Cleaners45
Automotive Rubbing or Polishing Compound17
Automotive Wax, Polish, Sealant or GlazeHard Paste WaxesInstant DetailersAll Other Forms45

3

15
Automotive Windshield Washer Fluids35
Bathroom and Tile CleanersAerosolsAll Other Forms7

5
Bug and Tar Remover40
Carburetor or Fuel-Injection Air Intake Cleaners45
Carpet and Upholstery CleanersAerosolsNon-Aerosols (Dilutables)Non-Aerosols (Ready-to-Use)7

0.1

3.0
Charcoal Lighter Materialsee 3 (e)
Cooking SprayAerosols18
DeodorantsAerosol   Non-Aerosol0 HVOC

10 MVOC

0 HVOC

0 MVOC
Dusting AidsAerosols All Other Forms25

7
Engine DegreasersAerosol Non-Aerosol35

5
Fabric Protectants60
Floor Polishes / WaxesProducts for Flexible Flooring Materials Products for Nonresilient Flooring Wood Floor Wax7

10

90
Floor Wax StrippersNon-Aerosolsee 3 (g)
Furniture Maintenance ProductsAerosols All Other Forms Except Solid or Paste17

7
General Purpose CleanersAerosolsNon-Aerosols10

4
General Purpose DegreasersAerosols Non-Aerosols50

4
Glass CleanersAerosols Non-Aerosols12

4
Hair Mousses6
Hairshines55
Hairsprays55
Hair Styling Gels6
Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner or Soap8
InsecticidesCrawling Bug (Aerosol) Crawling Bug (all other forms) Flea and Tick Flying Bug (Aerosol) Flying Bug (all other forms) Foggers Lawn and Garden (all other forms) Lawn and Garden (Non-Aerosol) Wasp and Hornet15

20

25

25

35

45

20

3

40
Laundry PrewashAerosols / Solids All Other Forms22

5
Laundry Starch Products5
Metal Polishes / Cleansers30
Multi-Purpose Lubricant (Excluding Solid or Semi-Solid Products)50
Nail Polish Remover75
Non-Selective Terrestrial HerbicideNon-Aerosols3
Oven CleanersAerosols / Pump Sprays Liquids8

5
Paint Remover or Strippers50
Penetrants50
Rubber and Vinyl ProtectantsNon-Aerosols Aerosols3

10
Sealants and Caulking Compounds4
Shaving Creams5
Silicone-Based Multi-Purpose Lubricants (Excluding Solid or Semi-Solid Products)60
Spot RemoversAerosols Non-Aerosols25

8
Tire Sealants and Inflators20
Undercoatings Aerosols40
  • New York on January 1, 2010, adopted VOC content limits which closely mirror the CARB limits in their Table 2 above.
  • New Jersey directly adopted the CARB limits.

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The Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO)

The LADCO states Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio, each legislate their own limits, but all tend to adopt the CARB limits:

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