We received a product submittal that claims "VOC compliant to current AIM regulations". The product is an "aliphatic acrylic-polyester polyurethane" (where have we seen this before? hmm), and the product data provides a list of metal substrates. The product description also states "....dull metallic finish that has excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals and abrasion". Further down there is language alluding to "alignment of aluminum flakes in aluminum-filled finishes..."
Is this
1. an anti-corrosive/anti-rust paint (VOC limit 250 g/L)
2. an IM coating (VOC limit 100 g/L? or is it still 420 g/L?)
3. a metallic pigmented coating (VOC limit 500 g/L)
Is AIM a reference standard?
Thanks in advance for any expert guidance!
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
January 18, 2017 - 9:21 am
I had not heard of AIM before, but here is what I found:
U.S. NATIONAL AIM RULE
"In 1998, the US EPA issued a nationwide Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Coatings rule limiting emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOC) pursuant with the Clean Air Act. The purpose of this rule was based on the EPA’s determination that VOC emissions from the use of architectural coatings had the potential to contribute to ozone levels. Ozone is a major component of smog which had been found to cause negative health and environmental impacts when present in high concentrations at ground level. This rule required products manufactured on or after the implementation date to meet the VOC limits for the defined Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) coating categories."
For your supplementary Information, you must have a document (MSDS,SDS,TDS,etc.) that states the VOC content in G/L.
As far as the category, ask the trade what they are using it for; otherwise, all the categories listed are inherently the same use, I would pick the one that seems most likely. I have never been questioned on the use of the product, especially for a product as obtuse as this.
Deborah Lucking
Director of SustainabilityFentress Architects
LEEDuser Expert
245 thumbs up
January 18, 2017 - 12:01 pm
Thanks for the prompt response, John-David!
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED APBywater Woodworks, Inc.
46 thumbs up
January 18, 2017 - 12:50 pm
Rule 1113 defines: "METALLIC PIGMENTED COATINGS are
decorative
coatings, excluding
industrial maintenance and roof coatings, containing at least 0.4 pounds per gallon
(48 grams/liter) of coating, as applied, of elemental metallic pigment (excluding
zinc)."
See http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/r1113.pdf