Duct sealants and wallpaper emissions testing

Duct sealants would need to meet the VOC content evaluation criteria, and it would be helpful if it met the VOC emissions evaluation criteria.  NOTE:  The VOC content evaluation criteria included providing the VOC content in g/L as well as the test method used to determine the VOC content.  In the first LEED v4 project I was involved with 0 g/L VOC content was questioned since information regarding the test methods specified in the applicable regulation was not included in the manufacturer's document.  Wallpaper will need to meet the VOC emissions evaluation criteria.  Below can be found a summary of the LEED v4.1 (I have found v4.1 easier to use for the low-emitting credit) VOC content evaluation criteria and the VOC emissions evaluation criteria:

VOC emissions evaluation

Option 1. Product has been tested according to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2 2017 and complies with the VOC limits in Table 4-1 of the method. Additionally, the range of total VOCs after 14 days (336 hours) was measured as specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.2 and is reported (TVOC ranges: 0.5 mg/m3 or less, between 0.5 and 5 mg/m3, or 5 mg/m3 or more).  Laboratories that conduct the tests must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test methods they use. Products used in school classrooms must be evaluated using the classroom scenario, products used in other spaces must be evaluated using the default private office scenario The statement of  product compliance must include the exposure scenario(s) used, the amount of wet-applied

product applied in mass per surface area (if applicable), the range of total VOCs, and follow

guidelines in CDPH Standard Method v1.2-2017, Section 8. Organizations that certify manufacturers’ claims must be accredited under ISO Guide 17065.

Option 2. Product has been tested according to EN 16516:2017 and complies with the LCI values from Table 1 of the German AgBB Testing and Evaluation Scheme (2015) and a formaldehyde limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. Additionally, the range of total VOCs after 28 days was measured as specified in EN 16516 and reported (TVOC ranges: 0.5 mg/m3 or less, between 0.5 and 5 mg/m3, or 5 mg/m3 or more). Laboratories that conduct the tests must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test methods they use.

The statement of product compliance must include the amount of wet-applied product applied in mass per surface area (if applicable) and the range of total VOCs. Organizations that certify manufacturers’ claims must be accredited under ISO Guide 17065.

VOC content evaluation

Product meets the VOC content limits outlined in one of the applicable standards and for projects in North America, methylene chloride and perchloroethylene may not be intentionally added.  Statement of product compliance must be made by the manufacturer. Any testing must follow the test method specified in the applicable regulation. If the applicable regulation requires subtraction of exempt compounds, any content of intentionally added exempt compounds larger than 1% weight by mass (total exempt compounds) must be disclosed.

• Paints and coatings: California Air Resource Board (CARB) 2007 Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for Architectural Coatings, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, effective February 5, 2016, European Decopaint Directive (2004/42/EC), Hong Kong Air pollution control (VOC) Regulation for regulated architectural paints (January 2010)
• Adhesives and sealants: SCAQMD Rule 1168, October 6, 2017, Canadian VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings (SOR/2009-264), Hong Kong Air Pollution Control (VOC) Regulation for regulated adhesives and regulated sealants (April 2012), Free of solvents, as defined in TRGS 610 (January 2011)