by Bethan Davis
December 12, 2023
According to the EPA, VOCs can cause health problems varying from minor eye, nose, and throat irritation, to nervous system damage, to cancer.
The global demand for construction chemicals is projected to reach $92.2 billion by 2027, marking a notable slowdown from the surge experienced between 2017 and 2022, during which time demand increases arose primarily due to supply chain issues and increasing raw material costs. Nevertheless, this deceleration is expected to be countered by robust growth driven by accelerating construction in developing regions, particularly in residential and nonbuilding segments, alongside the growing inclination towards sustainable construction projects where these chemicals enhance building energy efficiency. In recent years, legislation has been proposed to completely eliminate one kind of chemical in the construction industry, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). This kind of legislation will create demand within the construction chemical market for less harmful chemicals to replace VOCs.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. They are emitted by various products and materials, including paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and fuels, and can have adverse health effects on humans and the environment. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause health problems varying from minor eye, nose, and throat irritation, to nervous system damage, to cancer. The American Lung Association lists many common products that contain VOCs or release them via chemical processes during use. These items include indoor paint, cosmetics, furniture, dry-cleaned clothing, and printers.
REACH legislation within the EU comprehensively manages volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by mandating registration for quantities surpassing specified thresholds, necessitating risk assessment, and encouraging the adoption of safer substitutes. This regulation obliges manufacturers and importers to register VOCs, assess associated risks, and consider alternative options to mitigate harm to human health and the environment. Additionally, REACH incorporates authorization and restriction procedures for substances of very high concern (SVHCs), potentially encompassing certain VOCs, allowing stringent controls such as authorization for their usage while enabling restrictions or bans if significant risks to health or the environment are identified.
The Clean Air Act (CAA) in the United States regulates volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and health issues. The CAA establishes national standards for air quality, sets emission limits for VOCs from industries, vehicles, and consumer products, and mandates states to create plans to meet these standards. It also regulates vehicle emissions, promotes cleaner technologies, and limits VOC content in consumer goods like paints and solvents. Overall, the CAA aims to control VOC emissions, reduce air pollution, and safeguard public health and the environment through comprehensive regulations and standards.
The Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations, published in the Canada Gazette in January 2022, aim to curb VOC emissions from various consumer products like personal care items, automotive maintenance goods, adhesives, and others. These regulations set maximum VOC limits for over 130 categories, mandating compliance for manufacturers and importers by January 2024 (except for disinfectants, which have until 2025). Designed to reduce ground-level ozone formation and protect Canadians' health, the rules offer flexibility via compliance options such as permits for non-feasibility or lower emissions products and a trading system for VOC compliance units. Businesses must ensure adherence, using accredited labs for VOC concentration tests and marking product containers with manufacturing dates or codes. While not necessitating reports or testing submissions, manufacturers and importers must retain product records for at least five years to align with these environmental protection guidelines under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
If you are interested in learning more about the factors expected to affect the construction chemical market in the coming years, as well as innovations and market forecasts by region, consider Freedonia Group’s recent report, “Global Construction Chemicals”.
Provide the following details to subscribe.