5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VOCS IN YOUR PAINT BOOTH

Whether using solvent-based or waterborne paint, it is nearly impossible to avoid volatile organic compounds (VOCs)— carbon-based compounds that when evaporated create flammable vapors.

The potentially hazardous effects of VOCs can be minimized by spraying in a high-quality paint booth that meets fire and life safety standards and wearing the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE). This helps ensure the safety of your painters and the protection of your equipment.

Here are five important things to know about VOCs:

1. VOCS ARE HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT

When released directly into the atmosphere, VOCs contribute to smog and ozone depletion. The VOCs exhausted by paint booths must meet the outdoor air quality requirements set by the EPA, as well as your state.

To obtain a permit to build a paint booth, you may need to disclose your emission level — denoted in anticipated tons per year of VOCs. If the VOC concentration is deemed too high by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for your area, you may have to look into other paint formulations or VOC abatement equipment.