Formulation Guidance on interior paints

with low indoor air emissions

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ); the legislativ

For the sake of clarity one has to understand that this issue is not to contents in paints as supplied in their cans for which the exists. Although not aiming to improve indoor air, this Directive did contribute to overall less VOC emissions into the indoor environment. The indoor air issue deals with the phase of ‘after the paint has been applied to a surface’ (so called “service life”). The ongoing political and scientific discussion focuses on sources of harmful substances that may be emitted and therewith affect the quality of indoor air. Construction products and also paints are identified as a source for such emissions. The most suspesubstances have been identified by the EC and were put on a priority list. This list includes aXylene, Toluene, Formaldehyde, NBenzene. Although in some EU Member States rules or guidelines exist, there is no harmonized regulation or standard as yet. At the moment of this writing it is not sure if there will be a dedicated ruling for indoor air. Most probably there will be a kind of guideline on maximum levels for harmful substances.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ); the legislative and the standardising

In recent years, the quality of indoor air received an increased attention of Member States governments and EU authorities. The issue relates to the fact that occupants remain in buildings for extended periods of time and that therewith even smalhazardous substances that are emitted to the indoor air may pose a risk to the occupants’ health. This concern has for example already led in many member states to the banning of smoking in public buildings and restaurants because cigarette smmixture of many hazardous substances.

For the sake of clarity one has to understand that this issue is not to be mixed up with the VOC contents in paints as supplied in their cans for which the EU Product D

ough not aiming to improve indoor air, this Directive did contribute to overall less VOC emissions into the indoor environment.

The indoor air issue deals with the phase of ‘after the paint has been applied to a surface’ (so called “service

The ongoing political and scientific discussion focuses on sources of harmful substances that may be emitted and therewith affect the quality of indoor air. Construction products and also paints are identified as a source for such emissions. The most suspected substances have been identified by the EC and were

This list includes amongst others Formaldehyde, Naphthalene and

Although in some EU Member States rules or guidelines exist, there is no harmonized regulation or standard as yet. At the moment of this writing it is not sure if there will be a dedicated ruling for indoor air. Most probably there will be a kind of guideline on maximum levels for harmful substances.

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e and the standardising aspects

In recent years, the quality of indoor air received an increased attention of Member States governments and EU authorities. The issue relates to the fact that occupants remain in buildings for extended periods of time and that therewith even small amounts of hazardous substances that are emitted to the indoor air may pose a risk to the occupants’ health. This concern has for example already led in many member states to the banning of smoking in public buildings and restaurants because cigarette smoke contained a mixture of many hazardous substances.

mixed up with the VOC EU Product Directive EC 2004/42

ough not aiming to improve indoor air, this Directive did contribute to overall less

Although in some EU Member States rules or guidelines exist, there is no harmonized EU regulation or standard as yet. At the moment of this writing it is not sure if there will be a dedicated ruling for indoor air. Most probably there will be a kind of guideline on maximum

CEPE and IAQ Since November 2006 CEPE has set up its Indoor Air Quality Task Force (IAQ TF) to establish a centre of expertise for the CEPE members. The TF worked from the principle of being early informed on the impacts of this issue and where possible strive for an EU harmonized approach with as little as possible costs for the CEPE members. The TF participants are representing CEPE in the relevant EC platforms and in the CEN/TC 139/WG 11

Paint formulation and indoor air emissions When legislative tools or standards on indoor air quality may come in place the paint industry needs to know how to formulate paints that meet the limits that will be part of those rules. Such limits may relate to the currently available limits as described in Germany and France. This knowledge on the correlation between what one puts in the formulation and with what speed it will emit from the dried coating is relatively new to the paint industry.

CEN, the European Standardisationformed a Technical Committee dealing with emissions into indoor air (CEN/TC 351/WG 2). This working group looks into the test protocols (substrate to be used, etc.) methodologies, repeatability, etc. The final result will be a horizontal standard for emission testing of construction products. The working group dealing with paint and indoor emissions (CEN/TC 139/WG 11) looks into detailed parameters for sample conditioning and testing.At the moment it is estimated thatharmonized test method would be available.

Since November 2006 CEPE has set up its Indoor Air Quality Task Force (IAQ TF) to establish a centre of expertise for the CEPE members. The TF worked from the principle of being early

impacts of this issue and where possible strive for an EU harmonized approach with as little as possible costs for the CEPE members. The TF participants are representing CEPE in the relevant EC platforms and in the CEN/TC 139/WG 11.

and indoor air emissions

When legislative tools or standards on indoor air quality may come in place the paint industry needs to know how to formulate paints that meet the limits that will be part of those rules. Such limits may relate to the currently vailable limits as described in Germany and

This knowledge on the correlation between what one puts in the formulation and with what speed it will emit from the dried coating is relatively new to the paint industry.

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CEN, the European Standardisation Committee, has formed a Technical Committee dealing with emissions into indoor air (CEN/TC 351/WG 2). This working group looks into the test protocols (substrate to be used, etc.) methodologies, repeatability, etc. The final

andard for emission testing

The working group dealing with paint and indoor emissions (CEN/TC 139/WG 11) looks into detailed parameters for sample conditioning and testing. At the moment it is estimated that by 2013 a

method would be available.

Since November 2006 CEPE has set up its Indoor Air Quality Task Force (IAQ TF) to establish a centre of expertise for the CEPE members. The TF worked from the principle of being early

impacts of this issue and where possible strive for an EU harmonized approach with as little as possible costs for the CEPE members. The TF participants are representing

CEPE sponsored project

CEPE’s TF agreed to engage in a project that would help to build up this knowledge.CEPE’s Board approved the funding for it. The project objective was to establish where the critical limits of formulation percentages would lie when after application the e

Test and approach Theoretical and actual formulations were developed and their emissions determined after 3 and 28 days of application in emission chambers that simulate real life conditions. Results were evaluated according the German AgBB scheme and the French AFFSET schetotal VOC concentration in the air has to be < 1000 µg/m³ after 28 days. Several parameter changes were evaluated in the following frame formulations: Physical drying:

- WB Interior matt wall paints- WB Interior plasters and fillers (with - WB trim paints or varnishes- WB parquet lacquers

Oxidative drying: - WB alkyd paints or stains- SB alkyd paints or varnishes

Overall conclusions The results showed that the parameters that influence the emissions from applied coatings

- solvent retention rate: combination of type of binder and other ingredients and their

affinity for the solvent - porosity of coating; the coarseness of the filler ingredients - percentage of solvent- boiling point of the solvent- layer thickness of appli- loading factor (surface as ratio of volume)

CEPE’s TF agreed to engage in a project that would help to build up this knowledge. CEPE’s Board approved the funding for it. The project objective was to establish where the critical limits of formulation percentages would lie when after application the emission was measured.

Theoretical and actual formulations were developed and their emissions determined after 3 and 28 days of application in emission chambers that simulate real life conditions. Results were evaluated according the German AgBB scheme and the French AFFSET schetotal VOC concentration in the air has to be < 1000 µg/m³ after 28 days.

Several parameter changes were evaluated in the following frame formulations:

WB Interior matt wall paints WB Interior plasters and fillers (with organic binder) WB trim paints or varnishes

WB alkyd paints or stains SB alkyd paints or varnishes

The results showed that the parameters that influence the emissions from applied coatings

solvent retention rate: combination of type of binder and other ingredients and their affinity for the solvent porosity of coating; the coarseness of the filler ingredients percentage of solvent boiling point of the solvent layer thickness of applied coating loading factor (surface as ratio of volume)

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CEPE’s TF agreed to engage in a project that would help to build up this

CEPE’s Board approved the funding for it. The project objective was to establish where the critical limits of formulation percentages would lie

Theoretical and actual formulations were developed and their emissions determined after 3 and 28 days of application in emission chambers that simulate real life conditions. Results were evaluated according the German AgBB scheme and the French AFFSET scheme whereby the

Several parameter changes were evaluated in the following frame formulations:

The results showed that the parameters that influence the emissions from applied coatings are:

solvent retention rate: combination of type of binder and other ingredients and their

Results interpretation Some caution needs to be taken here. In the absence of EU limits the AgBBwere used to evaluate the emission results. It has to be seen if the EU limits would follow these AgBB/AFFSET values. If this would not be the case the actual results will be re-evaluated against EU limit values.

Detailed formulation guid This is accessible to the CEPE members on the ‘CEPE Workplace’ in a relevant list. The CEPE IAQ TF will ensure regular updates when new data can be added to the list. here an exact formulation but rather the influence on their slowness of emission.

Further developments on IAQ The IAQ TF will continue to gather more data on this subject. If there are updates of CEPE members are recommended to follow the isfurther developments on IAQ in the legislative field (like the recent French decree) or on standards related to emissions.

Some caution needs to be taken here. In the absence of EU limits the AgBB/AFFSET schemes were used to evaluate the emission results. It has to be seen if the EU limits would follow these AgBB/AFFSET values. If this would not be the case the actual results

evaluated against EU limit values.

Detailed formulation guidance via the CEPE database

This is accessible to the CEPE members on the ‘CEPE Workplace’ in a relevant list. The CEPE IAQ TF will ensure regular updates when new data can be added to the list.

but rather the ingredients and their percentage level that have an influence on their slowness of emission.

Further developments on IAQ

The IAQ TF will continue to gather more data on this subject. If there are updates of CEPE members are recommended to follow the issue via the ‘CEPE Signal’ newsletter in case of further developments on IAQ in the legislative field (like the recent French decree) or on standards related to emissions.

CEPE/JvdM/201

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This is accessible to the CEPE members on the ‘CEPE Workplace’ in a relevant list. The CEPE IAQ TF will ensure regular updates when new data can be added to the list. One will not find

ingredients and their percentage level that have an

The IAQ TF will continue to gather more data on this subject. If there are updates of CEPE sue via the ‘CEPE Signal’ newsletter in case of

further developments on IAQ in the legislative field (like the recent French decree) or on

CEPE/JvdM/2011-05-20

FORMULATION GUIDANCE TO STAY WITHIN 'WFT'

Main sources of emission in formulation

Test results in comparison with AgBB/AFFSET

Main sources of emission in formulation

Test results in comparison with AgBB/AFFSET

Main sources of emission in formulation

Test results in comparison with AgBB/AFFSET

Main sources of emission in formulation

Test results in comparison with AgBB/AFFSET

Main sources of emission in formulation

Test results in comparison with AgBB/AFFSET

Main sources of emission in formulation

Test results in comparison with AgBB/AFFSET

1,4 % Propylene glycol0,7 % Texanol0,7% Fatty acids, C10-16, methyl esters

Above limitsTVOC (3d): ~ 20 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 1mg /m³

0,15 % TPnB0,15 % Texanol

Above limitsTVOC (3d): > 10 mg/m³TVOC (28d): > 1 mg/m³

3 % Propylene glycol2 % Butyldiglycol1 % DPnB1 % Texanol

CompliantTVOC (3d): < 1 mg/m³TVOC (28d): < 0,1 mg/m³

Trim Paint:5 % Propylene glycol2 % ButyldiglycolAlkyd resin

CompliantTVOC (3d): < 1 mg/m³TVOC (28d): < 0,1 mg/m³

Trim Paint:~ 20 % Hydrogenated NaphthaAlkyd resin

CompliantTVOC (3d): < 1 mg/m³TVOC (28d): < 0,1 mg/m³

1 % Butyldiglycol1 % DPnB

Above limitsTVOC (3d): ~ 20 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 0,1 mg/m³

Powder plaster: only source of emission is impurities

CompliantTVOC (3d): ~ 1 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 0,5 mg/m³

2,5 % Texanol and Benzylalcohol

CompliantTVOC (3d): ~5 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 0,5 mg/m³

Varnish:7 % Propylene glycol1 % Texanol0,5 % TPnBAlkyd resin

Above limitsTVOC (3d): ~ 15 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 5 mg/m³

Varnish:~ 40 % Hydrocarbon solvent1 % TexanolAlkyd resin

Above limitsTVOC (3d): ~ 15 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 2 mg/m³

8 % Propylene glycol1,8 % TPnB

Far above limitsTVOC (3d): > 50 mg/m³TVOC (28d): > 4 mg/m³

Ready mixed filler:0,2 % TPnB and Texanol

Above limitsTVOC (3d): ~ 5 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 2 mg/m³

~ 9 % Methoxypropoxypropanol, TPnB and Texanol

Above limitsTVOC (3d): ~ 8 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 2 mg/m³

Trim paints were generally tested for the intended use on small surfaces (e.g. windows, doors, radiators) and the appropriate loading factor. In this case compliance seems to be no problem. No correlation between concentration of Cobalt drier and emission properties was found.Varnishes when tested with the loading factor for large surfaces (walls) did not comply.

General remarks General remarks General remarks

5 % Butoxyethanol 1 % Butoxyethoxyethanol1 % Methoxybutanol2 % 1-methoxy-2-propanol 2 % Propylene glycol 1 % Texanol

CompliantTVOC (3d): ~5 mg/m³TVOC (28d): ~ 0,5 mg/m³

Remark: Other formulations with comparable VOC content showed significantly higher emissions.

Existing formulations on the market show emissions in the magnitude of the emission limits. Emissions properties are not only depending on the solvent content but also strongly depending on film thickness and drying behaviour. Especially for floor coatings there may derive a problem from multiple layer coatings and short drying times between two coats may cause higher long term emissions.

Trim paints were generally tested for the intended use on small surfaces (e.g. windows, doors, radiators) and the appropriate loading factor. In this case compliance seems to be no problem as long as no high amounts of high boiling solvents or plasticizers are used.On the other hand varnishes when tested with the loading factor for large surfaces (walls) did not comply.

General remarksSufficient data available showing that solvent-free/plasticizer-free paints are far below all relevant emission limits. Limit for solvents probably in the range of 1% to comply emission limits. Especially the high boiling solvents should be reduced.

General remarks General remarksFor products with high film thickness like fillers and plasters only solvent-free formulations seem to comply with emission limits. In some cases the preservatives, especially MIT are in the range of the existing limit values after 28 days.

Trim paints were generally tested for the intended use on small surfaces (e.g. windows, doors, radiators) and the appropriate loading factor. In this case compliance seems to be no problem as long as no high amounts of high boiling solvents or plasticizers are used.On the other hand one formulation when tested with the loading factor for large surfaces (walls) did not comply.

PHYSICAL DRYING

WB interior wall paints

II III IV

OXYDATIVE DRYING

V

WB alkyds

VI

SB alkydsWB interior plasters and fillers (org. binder) WB trim paints and varnishes WB floor coatings

I