NBS | National Building Specification | Health and safety: VOCs 'banned'

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VOCs 'banned' – architects' new year resolution?

by Michele Lucarelli
NBS Technical Author

Rumours are circulating (mainly thanks to the BBC's Dragon's Den, it seems), that VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are 'banned' from 1 January 2010.

Regulation SI 2005 2773 The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005 came into effect on 1 January 2007, signalling stage one of the UK implementation of EU Directive 2004/42/EC, the VOCs in Paints Directive. It applies to all UK countries, and sets limits for VOCs for the given products from 1 January 2007, with the second stage requiring further reductions from 1 January 2010.

So there is no all-out ban (and remember, even water based paints can contain VOCs), but certain sub-categories of product will be significantly affected, notably wall and 'trim' paints which in some instances will see reductions of VOCs in solvent based products of 92.5% on 2007 values (see Schedule 2 for paints and varnishes in the SI).

The legislation inhibits placing non-conforming products on the market, and sets out 'sub-categories' which refer more to application than paint type, and gives VOC values for both water and solvent based coatings, including stains. Labelling must show 2007 and 2010 limits in g/l for products 'ready to use'. Note that there is no definition of 'building' in the legislation, which has a bearing on external structures.

There is effectively a twelve month period of grace for products on the market from the start of 2010, so there may be a flurry of decorating, or, given that the fine for applicators for non-compliance could be low (say £5000), some may continue to use higher VOC products sourced illicitly. Alternatively, manufacturers may create concentrate bases for dilution with VOC substances, but this would be a cynical move commercially given current sustainability drivers. HSE may take a grim view of any ducking, anyway, under workplace exposure limits legislation and CDM, which of course brings in designers and criminal law.

For further information contact Hugh Williams at the British Coatings Federation.