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.
Skip to regulations:
- South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
- California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- Massachusetts
- Texas
- Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) (NY, NJ)
- Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO) (MI, OH, IL, IN)
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 Products | Current Limit% by weight | New Limit% by weight | Effective Date |
Aerosol | 75 | 75 | current |
Mist Spray Adhesive | 65 | 30 | 1/1/2017 |
Screen Printing Adhesive | 55 | 55 | 1/1/2017 |
Web Spray Adhesive | 55 | 40 | 1/1/2017 |
Special Purpose Spray Adhesive | |||
Automobile Headliner Adhesive | 65 | 65 | current |
Automobile Engine Compartment Adhesive | 70 | 70 | current |
Flexible Vinyl Adhesive | 70 | 70 | current |
Laminate Repair / Edgebanding Adhesive | 60 | 60 | current |
Mounting Adhesive | 70 | 70 | current |
Polyolefin Adhesive | 60 | 60 | current |
Polystyrene Foam Adhesive | 65 | 65 | current |
Screen Printing Adhesive | 55 | 1/1/2017 | |
Construction, Panel or Floor Covering Adhesive | 7 | 7 | current |
Hair Finishing Spray | 55 | 55 | current |
Insecticide: Flea or Tick | 25 | 25 | Current |
Lubricant: Multi-purpose (excl solid or semisolid products) | 25 | 10 | 12/31/2018 |
Multi-purpose solvent: | |||
Aerosol | 10 | 1/1/2016 | |
Non aerosol | |||
SCAQMD + | 25 g/litre | 1/1/2015 | |
Outside SCAQMD | 3 | 3 | current |
Paint Thinner | |||
Aerosol | 10 | 1/1/2016 | |
Non aerosol | |||
SCAQMD + | 25 g/litre | 1/1/2015 | |
Outside SCAQMD | 3 | 3 | current |
+ 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 Category | Effective Date |
Aerosol Adhesive | |
Mist Spray Adhesive | 1/1/2017 |
Screen Printing Adhesive | 1/1/2017 |
Web Spray Adhesive | 1/1/2017 |
Double Phase Aerosol Air Freshener | current |
Flying Bug Insecticide | current |
Furniture Maintenance Product | current |
Lubricant:Anti-Seize LubricantCutting or Tapping OilGear, Chain, or Wire LubricantRust Preventative or Rust Control Lubricant | current |
Metal Polish or Cleanser | current |
Multi-purpose Solvent | |
aerosol | 1/1/2016 |
Non aerosol | Current |
Paint Thinner | |
aerosol | 1/1/2016 |
Non aerosol | current |
Pressurized Gas Duster | current |
Spot Remover | current |
Wasp or Hornet Insecticide | current |
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 Category | VOC Standard |
Aerosol | Revised – see above |
Mist Spray Adhesive | Revised – see above |
Web Spray Adhesive | Revised – see above |
Special Purpose Spray AdhesiveMounting, Automotive Engine Compartment, and Flexible Vinyl AdhesivePolystyrene Foam and Automobile HeadlinerAdhesivePolyolefin and Laminate Repair/Edgebanding Adhesive | Revised – see above |
Construction, Panel, and Floor Covering | Revised – see above |
Contact | 80 |
Contact Adhesive – General Purpose | 55 |
Contact Adhesive – Special Purpose | 80 |
General Purpose | 10 |
Adhesive Remover | |
Floor or Wall Covering Adhesive Remover | 5 |
Gasket or Thread Locking Adhesive Remover | 50 |
General Purpose Adhesive Remover | 20 |
Specialty Adhesive Remover | 70 |
Air Freshener | |
Double Phase Aerosol | 20 |
Single Phase Aerosol | 30 |
Dual Purpose Air Freshener/Disinfectant aerosol | 60 |
liquid/pump spray | 18 |
solid/semisolid | 3 |
Anti-static Product | |
aerosol | 80 |
Non aerosol | 11 |
Astringent/Toner | 35 |
Automotive Rubbing or Polishing Compound all forms | 17 |
Automotive Wax/Polish/Sealant/Glaze | |
all other forms | 15 |
hard paste wax | 45 |
instant detailer | 3 |
Automotive Windshield Washer Fluid | |
Type “A” areas | 25 |
Non type “A” areas | 1 |
Bathroom and Tile Cleaner | |
aerosol | 7 |
all other forms | 5 |
Non aerosol | 1 |
Brake Cleaner | 10 |
Bug and Tar Remover | 40 |
Carburetor or Fuel-injection Air Intake Cleaner | 10 |
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner | |
aerosol | 7 |
Non aerosol (dilutable) | 0.1 |
Non aerosol (ready-to-use) | 1 |
Charcoal Lighter Material | |
Disinfectant | |
aerosol | 70 |
Non aerosol | 1 |
Dusting Aid | |
aerosol | 17 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Electrical Cleaner | 45 |
Electronic Cleaner | 75 |
Engine Degreaser | 50 |
aerosol | 10 |
Fabric Protectant | |
aerosol | 60 |
Non aerosol | 1 |
Fabric Refresher | |
aerosol | 15 |
Non aerosol | 6 |
Fabric Softener – Single Use Dryer Product | |
Floor Maintenance Product | 1 |
Floor Polish or Wax | |
Resilient Flooring Material | 1 |
Non resilient Flooring Material | 1 |
Wood Floor Wax | 70 |
Floor Wax Stripper | |
Footwear or Leather Care Product | |
aerosol | 75 |
solid | 55 |
all other forms | 15 |
Furniture Maintenance Product | |
aerosol | 12 |
all other forms (except solid/paste forms) | 7 |
Non aerosol (except solid/paste forms) | 3 |
General Purpose Cleaner | |
aerosol and non-aerosol | 10 |
aerosol | 8 |
Non aerosol | 0.5 |
General Purpose Degreaser | |
aerosol | 50 |
Non aerosol | 0.5 |
Glass Cleaner | |
aerosol | 10 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Graffiti Remover | |
aerosol | 50 |
Non aerosol | 30 |
Hair Mousse | 6 |
Hair Shine | 55 |
Hair Spray | Revised – see above |
Hair Styling Gel | 6 |
Hair Styling Product | |
aerosol and pump spray | 6 |
all other forms | 2 |
Heavy-duty Hand Cleaner or Soap | |
all forms | 8 |
Non aerosol | 1 |
Insect Repellent: aerosol | 65 |
Insecticide | |
Crawling Bug Insecticide (all forms) | 20 |
aerosol | 15 |
Flea and Tick Insecticide | Revised – see above |
Flying Bug Insecticide (all forms) | 35 |
aerosol | 20 |
Fogger | 45 |
Lawn or Garden Insecticide (all forms) | 20 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Wasp or Hornet Insecticide | 10 |
Laundry Prewash | |
aerosol/solid | 22 |
all other forms | 5 |
Laundry Starch/Sizing/Fabric Finish Product | 4.5 |
Lubricant | |
Anti-Seize Lubricant | |
aerosol | 40 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Cutting or Tapping Oil | |
aerosol | 25 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Gear, Chain, or Wire Lubricant | |
aerosol | 25 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Multi-purpose Lubricant (excluding solid or semisolid products)# | 10 |
Penetrant | 25 |
Rust Preventative or Rust Control Lubricant | |
aerosol | 25 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Silicone-based Multi-purpose Lubricant (excluding solid or semisolid products) | 60 |
Metal Polish or Cleanser | 30 |
aerosol | 15 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Motor Vehicle Wash – non-aerosol | 0.2 |
Multi-purpose Solvent | Revised – see above |
Nail Polish Remover | 1 |
Nonselective Terrestrial Herbicide: non-aerosol | 3 |
Odor Remover/Eliminator | |
aerosol | 25 |
Non aerosol | 6 |
Oven or Grill Cleaner | |
Aerosol / pump spray | 8 |
aerosol | 8 |
liquid | 5 |
Non aerosol | 4 |
Paint Remover or Stripper | 50 |
Paint Thinner | Revised – see above |
Personal Fragrance Product | |
products with 20% or less fragrance | 75 |
products with 20% or more fragrance | 65 |
Pressurized Gas Duster | 1 |
Rubber /Vinyl Protectant: | |
aerosol | 10 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Sanitizer | |
aerosol | 70 |
Non aerosol | 1 |
Sealant or Caulking Compound | |
All forms | 4 |
Chemically Curing nonaerosol | 3 |
Nonchemically Curing nonaerosol | 1.5 |
Shaving Cream | 5 |
Shaving Gel | 4 |
Spot Remover | |
aerosol | 15 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Temporary Hair Color: aerosol | 55 |
Tire or Wheel Cleaner | |
aerosol | 8 |
Non aerosol | 2 |
Tire Sealant and Inflator | 20 |
Toilet/Urinal Care Product | |
aerosol | 10 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Undercoating: aerosol | 40 |
Windshield Water Repellent | 75 |
Wood Cleaner | |
aerosol | 17 |
Non aerosol | 4 |
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.
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:
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 Covering | 5 |
Gasket or Thread Locking | 50 |
General Purpose | 20 |
Specialty | 70 |
Adhesives: | |
Aerosol: Mist Spray | 65 |
Aerosol : Web Spray | 55 |
Special Purpose Spray Adhesives: | |
Mounting; Automotive Engine Compartment; Flexible Vinyl | 70 |
Polystyrene Foam and Automobile Headliner | 65 |
Polyolefin and Laminate Repair/Edgebanding | 60 |
Construction, Panel, and Floor Covering | 15 |
Contact: | |
General Purpose | 55 |
Special Purpose | 80 |
General Purpose | 10 |
Structural Waterproof | 15 |
Air Fresheners | |
Single-phase Aerosols | 30 |
Double-phase Aerosols | 25 |
Liquids/pump Sprays | 18 |
Solids/Semisolid | 3 |
Anti-Perspirants: | |
Aerosol | 40 HVOC + |
10 MVOC ++ | |
Non aerosol | 0 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-aerosol | 11 |
Automotive Brake Cleaners | 45 |
Automotive Rubbing or Polishing Compound | 17 |
Automotive Wax, Polish, Sealant or Glaze: | |
Hard Paste Waxes | 45 |
Instant Detailers | 3 |
All other forms | 15 |
Automotive Windshield Washer Fluids | 35 |
Bathroom and Tile Cleaners: | |
Aerosol | 7 |
All other forms | 5 |
Bug and Tar Remover | 40 |
Carburetor or Fuel-injections Air Intake Cleaners | 45 |
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners | |
Aerosols | 7 |
Non aerosols (Dilutables) | 0.1 |
Non Aerosols (Ready to Use) | 3.0 |
Cooking Spray Aerosols | 18 |
Deodorants | |
Aerosol | 0 HVOC + |
10 MVOC ++ | |
Non aerosol | 0 HVOC |
0 MVOC | |
All other forms except Solid or Paste | 7 |
Dusting Aids | |
Aerosols | 25 |
All other forms | 7 |
Engine Degreasers | |
Aerosol | 35 |
Non aerosol | 5 |
Electrical Cleaner | 45 |
Electronic Cleaner | 75 |
Fabric Refreshers | |
Aerosol | 15 |
Non aerosol | 6 |
Floor Polishes / waxes | |
Products for Flexible Flooring Materials | 7 |
Products for non-resilient Flooring | 10 |
Wood Floor Wax | 90 |
Footwear or Leather Care Products | |
Aerosol | 75 |
Solid | 55 |
All other forms | 15 |
Furniture Maintenance Products Aerosols | 17 |
Graffiti Remover | |
Aerosol | 50 |
Non aerosol | 30 |
General Purpose Cleaners | 50 |
Aerosol | 10 |
Non aerosol | 4 |
General Purpose Degreasers | |
Aerosol | 50 |
Non aerosol | 4 |
Glass Cleaners | |
Aerosol | 12 |
Non aerosol | 4 |
Hair Mousses | 6 |
Hair Shines | 55 |
Hair Styling Products | |
Aerosols and Pump Sprays | 6 |
All other forms | 2 |
Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner or Soap | 8 |
Insecticides: | |
Crawling Bug Aerosols | 15 |
Crawling Bug (all other forms) | 20 |
Flea and Tick | 25 |
Flying Bug Aerosols | 25 |
Flying Bug all other forms | 35 |
Foggers | 45 |
Lawn and Garden (all other forms) | 20 |
Lawn and Garden (Non aerosols) | 3 |
Wasp and Hornet | 40 |
Laundry Prewash | |
Aerosol / Solid | 22 |
All other forms | 5 |
Laundry Starch Products | 5 |
Metal Polishes / Cleansers | 30 |
Multi-purpose lubricant (excl solid or semisolid products) | 50 |
Nail Polish Remover | 75 |
Non-selective Terrestrial Herbicide: Non aerosols | 3 |
Oven Cleaners | |
Aerosols and Pump Sprays | 8 |
Liquids | 5 |
Paint Remover or Stripper | 50 |
Penetrants | 50 |
Rubber and Vinyl Protectants | |
Aerosol | 10 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Sealants and Caulking Compounds | 4 |
Shaving Gel | 5 |
Silicone-based Multi-purpose Lubricants (excl solid or semisolid products) | 60 |
Spot Removers | |
Aerosol | 25 |
Non aerosol | 8 |
Tire Sealants and Inflators | 20 |
Toilets and Urinal Care Products | |
Aerosol | 10 |
Non aerosol | 3 |
Undercoating Aerosols | 40 |
Wood Cleaner | 17 |
Aerosol | 17 |
Non aerosol | 4 |
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.
Texas
The only reference to Consumer Products is a restriction on automotive windshield washer fluid to no more than 23.5% by weight.
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 Waterproof | 65 55 70 65 60 80 15 10 15 |
Air FreshenersSingle-Phase AerosolsDouble-Phase AerosolsLiquids / Pump Sprays Solids / Gels | 30 25 183 |
AntiperspirantsAerosol Non-Aerosol | 40 HVOC 10 MVOC 0 HVOC 0 MVOC |
Automotive Brake Cleaners | 45 |
Automotive Rubbing or Polishing Compound | 17 |
Automotive Wax, Polish, Sealant or GlazeHard Paste WaxesInstant DetailersAll Other Forms | 45 3 15 |
Automotive Windshield Washer Fluids | 35 |
Bathroom and Tile CleanersAerosolsAll Other Forms | 7 5 |
Bug and Tar Remover | 40 |
Carburetor or Fuel-Injection Air Intake Cleaners | 45 |
Carpet and Upholstery CleanersAerosolsNon-Aerosols (Dilutables)Non-Aerosols (Ready-to-Use) | 7 0.1 3.0 |
Charcoal Lighter Material | see 3 (e) |
Cooking SprayAerosols | 18 |
DeodorantsAerosol Non-Aerosol | 0 HVOC 10 MVOC 0 HVOC 0 MVOC |
Dusting AidsAerosols All Other Forms | 25 7 |
Engine DegreasersAerosol Non-Aerosol | 35 5 |
Fabric Protectants | 60 |
Floor Polishes / WaxesProducts for Flexible Flooring Materials Products for Nonresilient Flooring Wood Floor Wax | 7 10 90 |
Floor Wax StrippersNon-Aerosol | see 3 (g) |
Furniture Maintenance ProductsAerosols All Other Forms Except Solid or Paste | 17 7 |
General Purpose CleanersAerosolsNon-Aerosols | 10 4 |
General Purpose DegreasersAerosols Non-Aerosols | 50 4 |
Glass CleanersAerosols Non-Aerosols | 12 4 |
Hair Mousses | 6 |
Hairshines | 55 |
Hairsprays | 55 |
Hair Styling Gels | 6 |
Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner or Soap | 8 |
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 Hornet | 15 20 25 25 35 45 20 3 40 |
Laundry PrewashAerosols / Solids All Other Forms | 22 5 |
Laundry Starch Products | 5 |
Metal Polishes / Cleansers | 30 |
Multi-Purpose Lubricant (Excluding Solid or Semi-Solid Products) | 50 |
Nail Polish Remover | 75 |
Non-Selective Terrestrial HerbicideNon-Aerosols | 3 |
Oven CleanersAerosols / Pump Sprays Liquids | 8 5 |
Paint Remover or Strippers | 50 |
Penetrants | 50 |
Rubber and Vinyl ProtectantsNon-Aerosols Aerosols | 3 10 |
Sealants and Caulking Compounds | 4 |
Shaving Creams | 5 |
Silicone-Based Multi-Purpose Lubricants (Excluding Solid or Semi-Solid Products) | 60 |
Spot RemoversAerosols Non-Aerosols | 25 8 |
Tire Sealants and Inflators | 20 |
Undercoatings Aerosols | 40 |
- 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.
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:
- Ohio adopted limits for Consumer Products which closely follow CARB: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/27/regs/3745-112/3745-112-03_Final.pdf.
- Illinois adopted limits for Consumer Products which closely follow CARB: http://www.ipcb.state.il.us/SLR/IPCBandIEPAEnvironmentalRegulations-Title35.aspx See Part 223 section 205 pg 36.
- Indiana adopted limits for Consumer Products which closely follow CARB: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r5/r5ard.nsf/977585e33633852b862575750057311a/a02f10284bda611586257a6f0075e8a8/$FILE/IAC%208-15-3.pdf