VOC means "Volatile Organic Compound". A number of adhesives, coatings and sealant contain volatile materials in them. The VOC level informs the user of the levels of these volatile materials. Due to the increasing awareness of odour and danger from solvents and other materials used in various adhesives we have listed below the calculated VOC levels of various common Bostik Adhesives and Sealants.

When reading the VOC levels the user needs to be careful that the definition used is compatible with the specification or tender requirements. In this case the levels were calculated using the methods given in the US EPA Method 24. The figures given are "less water and exempt compounds". The definition of "exempt compounds" varies depending on USA or Europe, this is an area which is in a constant state of movement, what is exempt today may not be so in a few months.

There are various limits for VOC. The most often used is Rule 1168 of the U.S Coast Air Quality Management District, California. The limits are listed below.

Some of the adhesives listed could never be described as "low VOC", however they are in constant use by the market today and are low in cost. Some of these will continue to be used because they are practical, fast and economic.

 

Type (Rule 1168)	Bostik Type	VOC	VOC (Rule 1168)
Rubber Flooring Adhesive	Ultraset SF	< 2	<60
	Gilt Grip Universal Premium adhesive	Zero	<60
Sub-Floor Adhesive	Gilt Grip Universal Premium adhesive	Zero	<50
	Gilt Grip GP Vinyl Adhesive	Zero	<50
Multipurpose Construction Adhesive	Simson 70-03	Zero	<70
Cove Base Adhesive	Bostik Super Contact Adhesive	>50	<50
Indoor Carpet Adhesive	Gilt Grip Direct & Double	>50	<50
	Bostik CA3 Solventless Carpet Adhesive	Zero	<50
Carpet Pad Adhesive	Bostik PSA Carpet Contact	Zero	<50
Outdoor Carpet Adhesive	Gilt Grip Synthetic Carpet Bond	>150	<150
Sub-Floor Adhesive	Gilt Grip Universal Premium adhesive	Zero	<50
Multipurpose Construction Adhesive	Bostik Ultragrip Stud Adhesive	Zero	<70
Architectural Sealant	Bostik 2720MS Sealant	Zero	<250

Please read the "Zero" VOC as "close to zero" certainly less than 0.5 gram / Litre.