Monroe County, NY Guide to VOCs in Industrial Coatings

What are VOCs in industrial coatings?

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate readily into the air. In industrial coatings, they are often found in solvents, thinners, reducers, cleaners, and other liquid ingredients that help a coating spread, level, dry, or cure.

As a coating dries, some of its liquid carrier evaporates. That evaporation can release VOCs into the workplace and surrounding air. VOC emissions can contribute to ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, and some individual VOCs may also create health concerns depending on their identity, concentration, and exposure duration. ([epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/architectural-coatings-national-volatile-organic-compounds?utm_source=openai))

Industrial coatings may be used on metal parts, machinery, structural steel, tanks, floors, equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure. The specific coating system determines how much solvent is present and how quickly it may be released.

Why are VOCs a concern?

VOCs matter for two separate reasons: air quality and human exposure.

In outdoor air, VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides in sunlight and help form ground-level ozone. Ozone near the ground can irritate the respiratory system and worsen some breathing conditions. This is different from the protective ozone layer high in the atmosphere.

Inside a coating area, workers may encounter higher short-term concentrations, especially during spraying, mixing, surface preparation, equipment cleaning, or enclosed-space work. Possible effects can include:

• Eye, nose, or throat irritation
• Headache, dizziness, or nausea
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Skin irritation from direct contact
• Longer-term health effects associated with particular chemicals and repeated exposure

The term “VOC” describes how readily a chemical evaporates, not how toxic it is. Some VOCs have relatively low toxicity, while others may be hazardous air pollutants or otherwise require stricter controls. A low-VOC coating is not automatically harmless, and a strong odor is not a complete measure of risk.

Do low-VOC and zero-VOC mean the same thing?

No. “Low-VOC” and “zero-VOC” are product descriptions, not universal guarantees that a coating contains no potentially hazardous chemicals.

A product labeled zero-VOC may still contain small amounts of VOCs, may release other compounds during curing, or may require a solvent-containing primer, activator, or cleaning product. Colorants and tinting materials can also affect the final VOC content.

The most useful information is found in the product’s safety data sheet, technical data sheet, label, and regulatory compliance documentation. These documents may identify:

• VOC content as supplied and as applied
• Recommended thinning ratios
• Required mixing components
• Flash point and flammability information
• Hazardous ingredients
• Personal protective equipment
• Ventilation and storage requirements
• Waste and cleanup precautions

EPA guidance identifies waterborne, powder, ultraviolet-curable, electron-beam-curable, and high-solids coatings as examples of approaches that can reduce VOC emissions, although each technology has different performance and application requirements. ([epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-monitoring-knowledge-base/monitoring-control-technique-compliant-lowno-vochap-inks?utm_source=openai))

Are water-based industrial coatings always safer?

Not necessarily. Water-based coatings often contain less solvent than conventional solvent-based coatings, but they can still include co-solvents, additives, preservatives, or other ingredients that require careful handling.

Water-based does not mean emission-free. VOCs may still be released during application and curing, particularly in warm or poorly ventilated areas. A water-based system may also require different surface preparation, drying conditions, or humidity control.

For industrial work, the correct comparison is not simply water-based versus solvent-based. It should include:

• VOC content after all components are mixed
• Required film thickness
• Number of coats
• Drying and curing conditions



• Surface preparation and cleaning chemicals
• Durability and chemical resistance
• Worker exposure controls
• Applicable regulatory limits

A coating with a lower VOC content may not reduce total emissions if it requires substantially more material, extra coats, or solvent-heavy cleanup.

How are VOC levels measured?

VOC content is commonly expressed in grams per liter, often written as g/L. The calculation may exclude water and certain exempt compounds, so two products with similar numbers on a label may not be directly comparable unless the measurement basis is the same.
For some regulated coating categories, VOC content is determined from formulation data or laboratory testing such as EPA Method 24. The applicable number may also depend on whether the coating is measured as supplied, after mixing, or after thinning. ([epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-monitoring-knowledge-base/monitoring-control-technique-compliant-lowno-vochap-inks?utm_source=openai))
This distinction is especially important with two-component products. An epoxy, polyurethane, or similar system may have separate resin and hardener components. The final VOC content should be evaluated using the actual mix ratio and any permitted reducer—not just the number printed on one container.

What does New York require?

New York regulates VOC content for certain architectural and industrial maintenance coatings under 6 NYCRR Part 205. The state rule addresses activities such as manufacturing, supplying, selling, offering for sale, soliciting for application, and applying covered coatings in New York. Limits vary by coating category and are generally expressed in grams of VOC per liter after specified adjustments. ([extapps.dec.ny.gov](https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/air_pdf/siprev205.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Not every industrial coating operation is governed by the same requirement. Applicability can depend on the coating category, facility type, emission quantity, equipment, location, and whether federal or state air permits apply.
Facilities may also have recordkeeping, reporting, work-practice, or control-equipment obligations. Surface coating operations can involve more than the coating itself; cleaning solvents, reducers, overspray, storage, and waste handling may contribute to emissions.
For Monroe County, NY facilities, the appropriate requirements should be confirmed through current New York State and applicable local air-quality rules before a coating process is changed. Regulations and permit conditions can differ between a small maintenance activity and a larger manufacturing operation.

Do cold winters affect VOC emissions?

Seasonal conditions can change how coatings behave. In the colder months common to Monroe County, NY, low temperatures may slow evaporation, drying, and curing. That does not necessarily mean less exposure. A coating may remain wet longer, extending the period during which vapors are present.
Cold weather can also encourage people to close doors and windows, reducing natural air exchange. Indoor heating may improve comfort but does not replace appropriate mechanical ventilation. Conversely, summer heat can increase evaporation rates and shorten the time available for safe handling.
Humidity, wind, substrate temperature, and dew point also affect coating performance. Applying a product outside its specified conditions can lead to poor adhesion, extended cure times, blistering, or premature failure.

How can residents recognize a potential VOC problem?

Odor alone cannot establish whether a coating operation violates a regulation or creates a dangerous exposure. However, persistent solvent odors, visible overspray, repeated headaches or irritation, or coating work conducted in an enclosed area without apparent ventilation are reasonable warning signs.
Residents should avoid entering restricted work areas or attempting to investigate odors by handling containers or residue. Concerns involving strong odors, visible emissions, fires, spills, or immediate symptoms should be handled through appropriate emergency or environmental reporting channels. People experiencing significant breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, or severe irritation should seek urgent medical assistance.
For routine questions, the product label and safety data sheet are usually the best starting points. They provide more reliable information than color, odor, or marketing terms and can clarify whether a coating is suitable for a particular indoor, outdoor, residential, or industrial setting.

Is lower VOC content always the most important factor?

Lower VOC content is useful, but it is only one part of responsible coating selection. A complete evaluation also considers worker exposure, hazardous air pollutants, flammability, application equipment, ventilation, cleanup materials, waste disposal, durability, and the service life of the finished coating.

The safest practical approach is to use the lowest-emitting coating that meets the required performance standard, follow the manufacturer’s application limits, prevent unnecessary solvent evaporation, and maintain ventilation and protective controls throughout mixing, application, curing, and cleanup.