SpecTopics: VOC Versus TVOC for Insulation and Other Products

In California, stringent regulations govern the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from various sources, including building materials such as insulation and adhesive. These regulations are crucial for safeguarding indoor air quality and reducing harmful pollutants that can contribute to health issues and environmental degradation. Two key regulatory bodies in California, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), each set standards aimed at controlling VOC emissions, albeit with different focuses and approaches.

CARB, established in 1967, is responsible for implementing air quality standards and regulations to protect public health and the environment from air pollution. One of CARB's primary initiatives is the regulation of VOC emissions from consumer products, including building materials. CARB's VOC requirements are designed to limit the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, thereby reducing smog formation and the associated health risks.

CARB's VOC regulations for building products, such as insulation and adhesive, are typically expressed as allowable emission limits measured in grams per liter (g/L) of product. These limits apply to specific VOC compounds known to contribute to air pollution and may vary depending on the type of product and its intended use. Manufacturers must test their products to ensure compliance with CARB's VOC standards and label them accordingly to indicate their emission levels.

On the other hand, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) focuses on protecting public health by regulating exposure to hazardous substances, including VOCs, in indoor environments. CDPH's guidelines address the potential health risks associated with indoor air pollution, aiming to ensure that building materials do not release harmful chemicals that can compromise indoor air quality and occupants' well-being.

CDPH's Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) requirements for building products establish maximum allowable concentrations of VOCs in indoor air. Unlike CARB's VOC standards, which focus on emission limits for individual products, CDPH's TVOC guidelines set thresholds for overall indoor air quality, considering the cumulative impact of VOC emissions from multiple sources within a building.

To comply with CDPH's TVOC requirements, manufacturers of building products must conduct emissions testing using standardized protocols to measure the total VOC content emitted by their products over a specified period. Products that exceed the allowable TVOC concentrations may not be suitable for use in indoor environments where air quality is a concern.

While both CARB and CDPH aim to protect public health and the environment through VOC regulations, there are notable differences in their approaches. CARB's focus is primarily on reducing VOC emissions to mitigate outdoor air pollution and its associated impacts, such as smog formation and respiratory illnesses. In contrast, CDPH's emphasis is on preventing indoor air pollution and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals that can affect occupants' health and well-being.

Additionally, CARB's VOC requirements tend to be more product-specific, targeting individual building materials and establishing emission limits based on their chemical composition and usage patterns. In contrast, CDPH's TVOC guidelines take a holistic approach, considering the collective impact of VOC emissions from all sources within a building on indoor air quality.

In summary, while both CARB and CDPH play crucial roles in regulating VOC emissions from building products in California, their approaches differ in terms of focus and scope. CARB's VOC requirements primarily address outdoor air pollution, while CDPH's TVOC guidelines aim to safeguard indoor air quality and protect occupants' health. By adhering to these regulatory standards, manufacturers can help ensure that their products meet environmental and health criteria, contributing to cleaner air both indoors and outdoors.

For further information on the VOC content of individual products for your next Carlisle roof assembly project, consult the Carlisle SynTec Systems website or click here for a Product Sustainability Reference Guide.