SUBSTRATE EFFECTS ON VOC EMISSIONS FROM A LATEX PAINT

The effects of two substrates - a stainless steel plate and a gypsum b oard - on the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from a latex p aint were evaluated by environmental chamber tests. It was found that the amount of VOCs emitted from the painted stainless steel was 2 to 1 0 times more than that from the painted gypsum board during the 2-week test period. The dominant chemical species emitted were also differen t between the two substrates. Data analysis indicated that most VOC em issions from the painted stainless steel occurred in the first 100 h v ia a fast, evaporation-like process. On the other hand, the majority o f the gypsum board VOCs were emitted in a later stage via a slow, diff usion-controlled process. There were measurable emissions of VOCs 11 m onths after paint application on the gypsum board. It is suggested tha t, instead of the routinely used substrates such as stainless steel pl ates, real substrates such as wood or gypsum board should be used for the evaluation of emissions in indoor environments. (C) Indoor Air (19 97).