Organic solvents are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that easily vaporise at room temperature and may be harmful if inhaled. They can be found in paints, varnishes and thinners.
What you must do
If you use or manufacture paints and varnishes you must ensure that they comply with specified limits on the amount of VOCs they can contain.
Depending on the amount of solvent you use, you may also require an environmental permit (England and Wales) or a pollution prevention and control (PPC) permit (Northern Ireland and Scotland).
The table below shows the maximum VOC content limit values for paints and varnishes. Phase II limits were introduced on 1 January 2010, replacing previous lower Phase I limits.
The limit values are stated in grams per litre (g/l) for the ready-to-use product.
|
Product* |
Coating type |
Current Phase II limits (From 1 January 2010) |
Previous Phase I limits |
|
Interior matt walls and ceilings (degree of gloss) <25@60o |
Water borne |
30 |
75 |
|
Solvent borne |
30 |
400 |
|
Interior glossy walls and ceilings (degree of gloss) >25@60o |
Water borne |
100 |
150 |
|
Solvent borne |
100 |
400 |
|
Exterior walls of mineral substrate |
Water borne |
40 |
75 |
|
Solvent borne |
430 |
450 |
|
Interior/exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal |
Water borne |
130 |
150 |
|
Solvent borne |
300 |
400 |
|
Interior/exterior trim varnishes and woodstains, including opaque woodstains |
Water borne |
130 |
150 |
|
Solvent borne |
400 |
500 |
|
Interior and exterior minimal build woodstains |
Water borne |
130 |
150 |
|
Solvent borne |
700 |
700 |
|
Primers |
Water borne |
30 |
50 |
|
Solvent borne |
350 |
450 |
|
Binding primers |
Water borne |
30 |
50 |
|
Solvent borne |
750 |
750 |
|
One-pack performance coatings |
Water borne |
140 |
140 |
|
Solvent borne |
500 |
600 |
|
Two-pack reactive performance coatings for specific use, eg floors |
Water borne |
140 |
140 |
|
Solvent borne |
500 |
550 |
|
Multi-coloured coatings |
Water borne |
100 |
150 |
|
Solvent borne |
100 |
400 |
|
Decorative effect coatings |
Water borne |
200 |
300 |
|
Solvent borne |
200 |
500 |
*For a more detailed definition of the products covered, see schedule 1 of the Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005 and amendments.
England air legislation
Northern Ireland air legislation
Scottish air legislation
Welsh air legislation
