Are VOC’s forcing you to replace industrial chemicals in use at your facility?

Need help with VOC compliance? Call 800 563-1305 or email us for a response within 48 hours ‘guaranteed.’

VOCIncreasing efforts and regulations are being made for ozone layer protection. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), Class I and II chemicals with ozone depletion potential (ODP) including Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC’s) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s) that contained high global warming potential (GWP) are already heavily regulated, restricted or banned. The latest culprits to reach the elevated status of heavily regulated, restricted or banned includes long-time staple commodity chemicals containing high volatile organic compounds (VOCs): denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), mineral spirits, Stoddard solvent, aliphatic hydrocarbons, d-limonene, citrus terpenes, n-Propyl Bromide, n-Hexane, Heptane, Methanol, Benzene, Xylene and Toluene. What is your LCD – lowest common degreaser? How wide is the gap of what you are using compared to your local, acceptable thresholds?

Examples:

  • isopropyl alcohol (IPA) contains ~ 787 gm/l of VOC’s. IPA is widely used for handwipe cleaning applications – no longer compliant in places such as California, especially in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
  • Mineral spirits are commonly used in parts cleaning systems yet contain ~ 780 gm/l of VOC’s – well beyond many AQMD thresholds of 50-100 gml/l. This is particularly troublesome for military and aerospace companies adhering to PD-680 and/or PRF-680 mil-spec requirements.

Ecolink Solutions to Compliance Problems:

Ecolink specializes in VOC compliance strategies for industrial chemicals and will help you and your staff navigate the various local (i.e. AQMD), state or country-specific [internationally] standards and methodologies for calculating VOC content. Our proven method of reducing chemical throughput by targeting packaging, delivery, recovery and filtration enable us to complete solvent substitution at or near a cost neutral basis without compromising cleaning performance. Our VOC compliant and/or exempt solutions get the job done, legally and safely at a low(er) total cost of ownership.

Need help with VOC compliance? Call 800 563-1305 or email for a response within 48 hours ‘guaranteed.’ We handle all inquiries confidentially and will develop a custom blend if one of our many off-the-shelf low VOC or VOC exempt solutions do not meet all your success criteria.

Why VOC’s matter?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) contribute to ground level ozone triggering a variety of health problems and damages vegetation and ecosystems. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has set protective health-based standards for ozone in the air we breathe. EPA, state, and cities have instituted a variety of multi-faceted programs to meet these health-based standards. Throughout the country, additional programs are being put into place to cut NOx and VOC emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities, and electric utilities. Programs are also aimed at reducing pollution by reformulating fuels and consumer/commercial products, such as paints and chemical solvents, that contain VOC. Source: EPA

Unfortunately, this debate is generating more heat than light and too little action where it is needed, too much where it is not. This is not simply a problem for industry to solve. In fact, more and more studies are getting published ranging from bisphenol A (BPA) found in hard, clear polycarbonate bottles and the linings of canned foods, cosmetics and shampoo, moisturizer and deodorants. There is no back to normal. It is necessary to chart a new way of sourcing, using and disposing industrial chemicals. We must lift our eyes toward that which truly sustains and recognize the lasting effects of chemicals released into the air and the known and unknown consequences of absorption.

For more information on VOC regulations:
Across the United States, regulations mandating VOC content of industrial chemicals are increasing at an accelerated pace forcing organizations to find cost-effective alternatives that still perform as well as their predecessors. The National Association of Clean Air Agencies (formerly STAPPA and ALAPCO) profiles state and local air agencies across the nation where you can access the latest information on important air pollution topics and find links to other related web sites. If you operate in multiple countries, please visit NACAA’s international web site, Clean Air World.

Call 800 563-1305 or email to learn more about current and proposed VOC regulations affecting your area and discuss your options. With over 20 years of working with stringent environmental regulations we are confident we will find a cost-effective, VOC compliant alternative.