The state of California has often led the way for setting environmental standards worldwide. As an example of its environmental foresight, California established the Climate Action Team and the Climate Action Initiative in 2005 to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the state. The program has established target dates through 2050, which signifies the state’s commitment to providing long-term solutions to current environmental concerns.

Similarly, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was established in 1967 as a separate department of the California Environmental Protection Agency to monitor air quality for the state. CARB is tasked with gathering air quality data, developing and implementing programs to improve air quality, and setting air quality standards. As a result of its research, CARB has established stringent regulations regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which are gases emitted from products that may have adverse health effects on humans, as well as contribute to global warming.

Items that are affected by CARB and VOC regulations are far-reaching for the wood flooring industry. They can include, but are not limited to, stains, sealers, finishes, paint and adhesives. In general, CARB sets forth the most restrictive regulations regarding VOC emissions in the United States, and many manufacturers are altering their products to meet CARB regulations.

A retailer, contractor or distributor who uses and/or sells composite wood products has to follow prescribed recordkeeping and labeling requirements, including being able to demonstrate he is purchasing compliant panels certified by a CARB-approved third party. In addition, CARB requires a product label and a statement of compliance on the bill of landing or invoice, and the chain-of-custody documentation must arrive unbroken at the final customer. Both imported and domestic products are regulated.

In other areas of the country, such as the Northeast, regulations are governed by the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC). Generally speaking, these regulations reduce the overall VOC emissions from products in an effort to reduce both environmental impact and human exposure.

As an example, substances classified as varnishes, which includes both oil-modified and water-based finishes, currently have a national VOC limit set at 450 grams per liter. OTC states place more stringent standards, establishing a ratio of 350 grams per liter, while CARB standards are even more stringent at 275 grams per liter. Other products used in wood flooring, such as conversion varnishes, tongue oil, stain, sealer and lacquer, have different regulations and compliance ratios, so it is important to understand the laws governing the products you use and where you use them.

Although many areas have not yet established VOC compliance legislation, implementation dates have been established through 2012 for many areas. A complete list of regulatory dates is available at www.nwfa.org.