SCAQMD Adds ASTM Method D6886 for Measuring VOC Content of Paints

The November 2015 draft revision of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113 on Architectural Coatings lists ASTM Standard Method D6886, Standard Test Method for Determination of the Weight Percent Individual Volatile Organic Compounds in Waterborne Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography, as an acceptable method for the VOC content of coatings and colorants. This draft is anticipated to be published in final form in the first half of 2016. ASTM D6886 is one of the paint testing methods offered by Berkeley Analytical. This standard is included in the scope of Berkeley Analytical’s ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The agency’s official recognition of D6886 is a welcome addition as it allows reliable and reproducible determination of VOC content of water-based paints down to a few grams per liter (about 2 G/liter). This level of sensitivity and precision is necessary for paint and coating manufacturers to support product claims for zero VOC paint and ultra-low VOC paint. It also can be used to qualify paints and coatings for listing by SCAQMD on its Super-Compliant Architectural Coatings Manufacturers and Industrial Maintenance Coatings List.