Forum discussion
NC-2009 IEQc4.3: Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 IEQc4.3»
Project location: United States
March 9, 2015
Susan Morris
LEEDuser Basic Member
3 thumbs up
Project location: United States
March 9, 2015
I have a project with a large area of Epoxy Flooring, this epoxy contains 0% V.O.C.'s does it count as an inert material; or is testing required?
Thank you
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March 9, 2015 - 11:35 pm
Epoxy coatings are not inert. In fact, most epoxies require mixing two components, each of which actually may be high in VOCs. The two part react with one another, they catalyze into a polymer, and most or all of the VOCs are consumed. Often, the resulting coating is much lower in VOC than either component, or even zero. Epoxy product data usually lists three VOC level, one for Part A, another for Part B, and one for “A+B”. The last one is usually the lowest and the one on which SCAQMD bases its VOC limit.
March 10, 2015 - 7:16 am
A product’s Safety Data Sheet is a good place to start when determining whether the product is an “inherently nonemitting source.” If the ingredients list includes organic-based binders, polymers, resins, or additives, the product is NOT inherently nonemitting. However, if the ingredients list includes only metal- or mineral-based materials (such as Portland cement, plaster of Paris, gypsum, limestone, talc, mica, perlite, silica, or clay), there is a good chance that the product may be inherently nonemitting. Just keep in mind that MSDS may not list ALL ingredients. Trace components are sometimes not listed, and manufactures can be cagy about reporting “trade secrets.”
March 10, 2015 - 8:33 am
Jon is correct that epoxies emit VOCs when they are mixed and the standard practice is to add all the parts together to get a total VOC for the product. However, poured epoxy floors report under IEQc4.2 as a coating and not a flooring system. There are some old conversations in this forum and in the IEQc4.2 forum that would explain the reasons so I won't rehash it now.
March 10, 2015 - 8:29 pm
SCAQMD, CARB, and the EU VOC Standards all outline methods of measuring VOC content of multi-component products like epoxies AFTER the parts have catalyzed. For the discussion on the NC-2009 IEQc4.2 page, see http://www.leeduser.com/comment/redirect/52270.
Note that it is not simply a matter of adding A+B. In this case, the sum is often less than the parts.
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As an expert in environmental certifications and sustainable building practices, particularly LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My expertise is rooted in hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in achieving LEED credits, such as those related to Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the forum post about NC-2009 IEQc4.3: Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems.
The forum discussion revolves around a project with a significant area of Epoxy Flooring, and the question is whether this epoxy, which supposedly contains 0% V.O.C.'s, qualifies as an inert material and whether testing is required. Jon Clifford, a LEED-AP BD+C and a LEEDuser Expert, provides valuable insights into the nature of epoxy coatings. His response is backed by a solid understanding of the complexities involved in determining the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content of such materials.
Jon emphasizes that epoxy coatings are not inert, contrary to the assumption that 0% V.O.C.'s might suggest. He points out that many epoxies require mixing two components, each of which may contain high levels of VOCs. When these components react and catalyze into a polymer, most or all of the VOCs are consumed. He also notes that the resulting coating is often much lower in VOC than either component individually, and epoxy product data typically lists three VOC levels—one for Part A, another for Part B, and one for the combined mixture "A+B."
Furthermore, Jon Clifford highlights the importance of consulting a product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when determining whether a product is an "inherently nonemitting source." He explains that if the ingredients list includes organic-based binders, polymers, resins, or additives, the product is not inherently nonemitting. On the other hand, if the ingredients list includes only metal- or mineral-based materials, there is a higher chance that the product may be inherently nonemitting. However, he cautions that MSDS may not list all ingredients, and manufacturers may withhold information for proprietary reasons.
Susan Walter, another LEEDuser Expert, supports Jon's insights by confirming that epoxies emit VOCs when mixed. She adds that poured epoxy floors are categorized under IEQc4.2 as a coating and not a flooring system, as discussed in older conversations on related forums.
Jon Clifford further references standards such as those from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the European Union VOC Standards. These standards outline methods for measuring VOC content in multi-component products like epoxies after the parts have catalyzed. He emphasizes that the sum of VOCs after catalyzation is not simply the sum of individual components, and in many cases, the total VOC content is lower than the sum of parts.
In conclusion, the forum discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the considerations related to epoxy flooring in the context of LEED certification. It underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of material composition, VOC emissions, and applicable standards when evaluating the environmental impact of flooring systems in building projects.
