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NC-2009 IEQc4.2:Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings

VOC in ventilated spaces

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Albert Sagrera
Architect
Societat Organica
LEEDuser Basic Member
11 thumbs up

I would to know if there is any variation in the limit of VOC emissions from paints allowed, if this painting is located in ventilated spaces such as courtyards, or in spaces with temporary occupations, as might be stairwells. Thanks.

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Wed, 09/26/2012 - 14:39

Albert, There are no variations in VOC limits, except that different types of coatings (interior paint, wood sealers, etc.) have different allowable limits. They make no provision for different amounts of ventilation or frequency of occupancy. In one of your examples, the courtyard, LEED is not relevant because this credit deals only with paints and coatings that are on the interior.
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Dwayne Fuhlhage
Sustainability and Environment Director
PROSOCO, Inc.
LEEDuser Basic Member
126 thumbs up

Wed, 09/26/2012 - 14:44

Agreed. While there are no differences in VOC limits for coatings used in various settings, I always encourage context sensitivity. For spaces with poor ventilation, focus on lower VOC products and work with the general contractor to assure that they use temporary ventilation as necessary to reduce acute exposure potential during application and initial curing.
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Abdulrahman Sherazy
LEED AP bd+c - Sr. Architect
Midrar Development Management
LEEDuser Basic Member
16 thumbs up

Wed, 10/03/2012 - 13:28

What about the main electrical and mechanical rooms such as generator, transformer, boiler rooms... etc. which are usually located in the ground floor to have an external access. It is part of the building so it can be considered weatherproof. But the access is from outside, 100% natural ventilation is provided, and no users occupy these types of room. It is outside the weatherproofing then I think. Should the VOC content in the materials applied in such rooms not exceed the limits? Thanks.

Fri, 10/05/2012 - 20:50

If these structures are inside your building, then you need to comply with the VOC limits. The door locations and occupancy are not a consideration. The location of the weather barrier is.

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