VOC Testing

In the U.S. VOC-testing is done by manufacturers to meet air-quality regulations. US EPA sets the rules that govern how those tests area done. As an aside, those tests are established based on smog requirements, so they are not ideal for indoor air quality protection, but they are the all we've got to work with for now.

Nadav - I agree that currently how this credit is written, it looks as though the VOC content method (which as you mentioned was developed for outdoor air purposes) is the only way to answer paint's potential IAQ concerns, but I have to disagree with you that this is all we have to work with. There are things that we can do to ensure that paints don't hurt our indoor air quality. The CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method v1.1 (or CA 01350) is a product emission test methodology that is referenced in LEED for Schools for the paints and coatings low-emission credit. This test methodology and criteria looks at actual product emissions or what is off-gassing from the product as it is applied. Compliance with this helps ensure that products will not be off-gassing harmful levels of 35 individual chemicals (including, but not limited to formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylenes). Most major sustainable rating systems or codes have recognized the product emission pathway to show that a paint is better for IAQ (LEED Pilot Credit 21, Green Globes, IgCC, and ASHRAE 189.1 to name a few). So while I recognize that the credit currently looks at VOC content only - there is a movement to get the low-emitting criteria to actually focus on low-emitting products.

You're absolutely right, Josh. I totally agree that this is where things should be, and are, heading. I should have said that given the current LEED requirements and limited number of products available with more appropriate metrics, VOC content is what we have to work with. Even in LEED for Schools you're allows--for now--to use the VOC content data because the Spec 01350 standard was not workable for schools outside of California. But hopefully that will all shift soon!