Why Some Solvents Are Given VOC Exempt Status by the EPA and What the Future Holds

摘要

There is confusion in the marketplace as to why some chemical compounds are regulated as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and others are not. At first glance it may appear that the U.S. EPA randomly favors certain products, while others, such as toluene, xylene, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), are being regulated out of existence. Although the regulatory burden may seem unfair for many of the tried-and-true chemicals used by the metal-finishing industry, there is technical reasoning to some of these regulations. In basic terms this article will attempt to review the air chemistry that is taking place and the historical logic used by the U.S. EPA when establishing their VOC regulations. Finally, some insight will be provided as to where future VOC regulations may be heading.