3.1 The primary objective of this verification guide is to determine the “air pollution-prevention potential” (possible reduction in VOC or HAP emissions) of factory-applied liquid coatings.

3.2 The overall objective of this guide is to verify the above pollution-prevention characteristics and basic performance characteristics of liquid coating technologies. Use of this guide can increase acceptance of more environmentally friendly technologies for product finishing with an accompanying reduction in emissions to the atmosphere. The specific objectives of this guide are to (1) quantify the VOC and HAP content of liquid coatings and (2) verify the basic quality and durability performance of these coatings.

3.3 The primary criteria for verification of liquid coatings will be:

3.3.1 Confirm that use of the coating will significantly reduce VOC and HAP content or emissions (or both) during application or cure, or both.

3.3.2 Confirm that the coating can provide an acceptable finish (appearance, hardness, flexibility, etc.) for the intended end use.

3.4 The test results from this guide can provide to potential users the best data available to determine whether the coating will provide a pollution-prevention benefit while meeting the finish quality requirements for its intended use. This guide intends to supply end users with unbiased technical data to assist them in this decision-making process.

3.5 The quantitative air pollution-prevention potential depends on a multitude of factors; therefore, the liquid coatings are to be applied in accordance with the coating vendor’s instructions and the resulting verification data reflect only the specific conditions of the test. To quantify the environmental benefit (air pollution-prevention potential), a test to quantify the VOC or HAP emissions from the new liquid coatings will be conducted and compared to data for existing coatings typically used in the target industry.

1.1 This guide provides a generic testing procedure to verify the air pollution-prevention characteristics and basic properties of liquid coatings applied to metal, plastic, wood, or composite substrates in a factory/manufacturing environment. Thus it may be used to evaluate these liquid coatings to verify their volatile organic compound (VOC) and organic hazardous air pollutant (HAP) content as well as basic performance properties.

1.2 This guide is adapted from a procedure used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish third party verification of the physical properties and performance of coatings that have potential to reduce air emissions. The data from the verification testing is available on the internet at the EPA’s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program website (http://www.epa.gov/etv/centers/center6.html) under the “P2 Innovative Coatings and Coating Equipment Pilot.”

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.