In 1998, the US EPA issued a nationwide Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Coatings rule limiting emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOC) pursuant with the Clean Air Act. The purpose of this rule was based on the EPA’s determination that VOC emissions from the use of architectural coatings had the potential to contribute to ozone levels.
Eco-Friendly Paint Products : US National AIM
US National AIM Rule
Ozone is a major component of smog which had been found to cause negative health and environmental impacts when present in high concentrations at ground level. This rule required products manufactured on or after the implementation date to meet the VOC limits for the defined Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) coating categories.
Eco-Friendly Paint Products : US National AIM
AIM Rule Exemptions:
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Small container exemption allows the sale of coatings above the maximum VOC limits if packaged in containers of one liter or less.
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Sell-through provision allows the sale of coatings above the maximum VOC limits if manufactured prior to the rule's effective date, September 13, 1999.
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Manufacturers can choose to pay an exceedance fee to the US EPA for coatings above the maximum VOC Limits.
For the most current information on the National AIM rule, please visit www.epa.gov.
See US AIM-Certified Products View Ecological Solutions| COATING CATEGORY* | VOC (G/L) |
|---|---|
| Flat | 250 |
| Non-Flat | 380 |
| Non-Flat High Gloss | 380 |
| Industrial Maintenance General | 450 |
| Industrial Maintenance High Temp | 650 |
| Primer | 350 |
| Quick Dry Primer | 450 |
| Specialty Primer | 350 |
| Quick Dry Enamel | 450 |
| Floor | 400 |
| Rust Preventative | 400 |
| Stains Semi-Transparent/Opaque | 550/350 |
| Dry Fog | 400 |
| Varnish | 450 |
| Waterproofing Sealer - Wood | 600 |
| Waterproofing Sealer - Concrete | 600 |