New Standard Set for VOC Content in Consumer Products

Does your business manufacture, supply or sell common household items such as brake cleaner, deodorant, insecticide, oven cleaner, paint remover, shaving cream, or nail polish remover? Have you checked their VOC content?

Effective January 1, 2005, it is unlawful in Pennsylvania to sell, supply, or manufacture for sale consumer products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) above standards established in the Consumer Products Rule (25 PA Code, Ch.130). Products manufactured before January 1, 2005 are not subject to the new regulation, however any product produced and sold after that date must meet the new standards. The new regulation does not apply to products manufactured in Pennsylvania, but sold in other states, unless the other states have a similar regulation.

Many consumer products are subject to the new regulation including detergents, cleaning compounds, polishes, floor finishes, cosmetics, personal care products, home, lawn and garden products, disinfectants, sanitizers, aerosol paints, and automotive specialty products. These products must clearly display manufacturing date and VOC content information, expressed as a percentage by weight.

The Consumer Products Rule contains a complete list of products subject to the rule and their VOC content limits.

For EMAP compliance assistance, click here.