VOC Testing

ECA has over 20 years of experience testing volatile organic compounds in various chemical mixtures. In chemical formulations, it is often required to determine the amount of volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s) that are present to deter manufacturers from excessively polluting the environment. One of the most commonly employed methods in our laboratory is the CARB Method 310 which is used to test consumer products for the VOC’s that are in their formulations. Some VOC’s are exempt from the ruling due to the fact that they are not as impactful on the environment. These exempt compounds are measured and subtracted from the total VOC’s and the % VOC content is calculated. This testing procedure is used to test solid, liquid, and aerosol products. There are a list of allowable limits for each product type and the testing is used to determine whether the products meet these limits.

Consumer Products VOC Test Methods:

CARB 310: Determination of VOC’s in Consumer Products

Paints, Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers VOC Test Methods:

EPA Method 24: Determination of Volatile matter, Water Content, Density, Volume Solids and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings (solvent-based)

ASTM D3960: Determination of VOC’s in Paints and Related Coatings (aqueous)

ASTM D6886: Speciation of VOC’s in low VOC content water-borne Air-Dry Coatings by GC-FID

SCAQMD303: Determination of VOC Exempt Compounds

SCAQMD 304: VOC’s in Various Materials

SCAQMD 305: VOC’s in Aerosols

SCAQMD 313: Determination of VOC’s by GC-MS

SCAQMD 316A: Determination of VOC’s in Materials used for Pipes and Fittings

ASTM D5466: Determination of VOC’s in Air/Canister Sampling

ASTM D2908: Volatile organic matter in water by GC-FID

ASTM D3960: VOC content of paints and Related Coatings

ASTM D6886: Weight percent of Individual VOC’s in Waterborne Air-Dry Coatings

ISO 11890-2: Determination of VOC Content

EN-120: Determination of Formaldehyde Content in Wood-Based panels/UV-VIS

We also perform indoor air quality testing using Summa Canisters, Sorbent Traps, and Color Indicator Tubes for all types of requirements. We can test for VOC’s in indoor air by collection on activated carbon sorbent traps, resin-type Sorbent traps, SUMMA evacuated stainless steel canisters, or color indicator tubes onsite. Particulates can also be tested at the same time using particulate filters. Please call us to talk about the special requirements for your facility or home. We will be glad to devise a suitable plan for the determination of VOC’s and other indoor air quality concerns.