"SPECIAL PURPOSE CONTACT ADHESIVE is a contact adhesive that is used to bond all of the following substrates to any surface: melamine covered board, metal, unsupported vinyl, Teflon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, rubber and wood veneer 1/16 inch or less in thickness" while the product to information states: Foster®Spark-Fas Adhesive is a quick-setting, nonflammable, fire-resistive, synthetic elastomer adhesive used to adhere duct wrap, fibrous glass or mineral wool
insulations (up to 6 lbs. density) to galvanized steel and
aluminum air conditioning or hot air ducts, where a fireresistive dry film is required." VOC content - 162g/liter
I believe this would fall into the classification of: MULTIPURPOSE CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE is any adhesive to be used for the installation or repair of various construction materials, including but not limited to: drywall, subfloor, panel, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), ceiling tile, and acoustical tile." Max VOC 70g/l

Has the adhesive been used? if not, I would search for an alternative...

This has been used and it does not meet VOC requirements it is the only adhesive that does not meet the requirements

Yes, the category is:"ARCHITECTURAL SEALANT OR SEALANT PRIMER is any sealant or sealant primer applied to stationary structures, including mobile homes, and their appurtenances. Appurtenances to an architectural structure include, but are not limited to: hand railings, cabinets, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, fences, rain gutters and downspouts, and windows." Max VOC 250 g/l

I am not an expert or tiles or stones, but I do know that different materials vary in porosity; I would ask your sales representative.

SMACNA (SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS' NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.) released the following (see link below) Technical Resources Bulletin stating that: "In response to the following Credit Interpretation Request (CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide): “How does a project
team classify duct sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. for application under EQc4.1?” the USGBC issued the
following ruling: “Project teams may classify duct sealants under “Other”, as listed in the SCAQMD VOC Limits table.”
The category of “Other” in the SCAQMD VOC Limits table has a maximum limit of 420 g/l. This should allow most if not all duct sealants to be utilized on LEED®"

http://www.smacna.org/technical/download.cfm?download_file=TRB9-09-Updat...

I would suggest "CONTACT ADHESIVE is an adhesive applied to two separate surfaces, allowed to dry, and brought together for adhesion and bonding with subsequent pressure." Max VOC 80 g/l

"COVE BASE ADHESIVE is an adhesive used during the installation of cove base (or wall base), which is generally made of vinyl or rubber, on a wall or vertical surface at floor level." Max VOC 50 g/l

I just listed it as "other adhesive" in the IEQ c4.1-1 Non-Flooring Adhesives & SealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. in a current job. The credit hasn't been reviewed yet, but can let you know when it is approved.

...Yes ,Amy please let me know when it's approved.. Thanks.

Brooks, this seems out of the IEQc4 scope to me. A similar question has come up before about paint stripper.

In one sense, there is no specific criteria for this, but there are a two ways to reference this from a IEQ best practices:
1) utilize the list of "unacceptable ingredients",
2) as one might say that that it falls under cleaning, you may wish to utilize the criteria as set out in the EB:OM Green CleaningGreen cleaning is the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and practices. best practices.

Also, this becomes of serious relevance if you intend on performing IEQ testing for the building - these "untracked" elements are often what is that cause of not meeting the VOC testing.

I agree with the above comments. There is no specific category in the credit structure.

While this is a high-VOC material, it evaporates quickly and should not cause any lingering health problems inside the building. The first wine spill once the building is closed and occupied will also cause ethyl alcohol emissions. I'd be more concerned if they had used a solvent with a poor toxicity profile like xylene, toluene or MEK. From a worker safety perspective, inhalation of ethyl alcohol can cause transient narcotic effects as is the case in alcoholic beverages, but it should have no long term impacts.

Beyond controlling exposure through cross-ventilation or substituting materials, the primary hazard factor with ethyl alcohol is flammability of vapors. If using indoors, electrical ignition sources such as fans must be turned off and pilot lights should be extinguished. If they need to get air into the space, have the fan outside pushing in to keep vapors from migrating through the motor.

SealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. can be a pain to remove. I hope you are able to source a less hazardous alternative.

All excellent input--thanks very much for the help!

Yes, if it is the same product, it only needs to be listed once.

Adhesives and sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. have different functions. It would be classified as a sealant, and sealants used inside the weatherproofing system should have a VOC content of 250 g/L or less.

Thanks. Just wanted to confirm that my thinking was correct.

Our project Engineer Architect suggests that mortar/grout/thinset may fall under category "Porous material(except wood) substrate. John David chose ceramic tiles adhesive ,while Jaida said Architectural Sealant..... What's really the usual classification of grout and mortars acceptable by GBCI based on the past projects certified? Please advise....

Hi Benj,
We have certified numerous projects with mortar and grout. There is no specific category as many people have pointed out in previous posts. We have used Ceramic Tile adhesive and Architectural Sealant successfully as the previous responders have indicated.

If you look at the underlying standard, the porous material substrate category is used for "adhesives, adhesive bonding primers, or any other primer not regulated by the other categories". I would not go this route myself.

However, the reality is most of the mortars, grouts and thinsets we see are largely cementitious and don't tend typically to have high VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. anyway and will fit under most categories. Make sure you include it in a logical category. Explain in the Special Circumstances if you are uncomfortable with your choice. It shouldn't be a problem.

This does not answer all of your questions, but...

1. VOC Limits: VOC limits for adhesives and sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. are determined by compliance with levels set forth in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168. These SCQMD standards were developed in Southern California are now required throughout California - they also have been used as the standard for LEED. Labeling in California typically indicates compliance with 'Rule #1168'.
2. 'EPA 24': Since other States may not have the same product labeling as California, the method for determining VOC levels is to require that adhesives and sealants "comply with the following limits for VOC content when calculated according to 40 CFR 59, Subpart D (EPA Method 24): xx g/L." i.e, this ensures that the product has been properly tested for compliance with Rule #11168 and is not just random marketing lingo.

"Product Formulation Calc" sounds a bit off to me - you might ask how the VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. in those products were actually tested.

Prop 65 - this may help: "Proposition 65 in Plain Language" http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/background/p65plain.html

I hope this information is helpful!

Thanks for the insight on the regulatory agencies and testing standard. Very helpful.

Can you or anyone else tell if the categories I listed sound correct for the type of sealant/adhesive described. Thanks.

Curtis, I would include this in the credit - it's a primer, not the membrane itself. What are you applying it to - is it non-pourous?

yes its a primer and non-porous, does that mean Sealant Primer Architectural Non Porous as I have suggested?

thanks
curtis

There have been several prior discussions on this. Reference the one from Aug 29 2012.

Hello

I don't know if this is directly helpful, but within my guide spec for concrete, it says:

Liquid floor treatments shall have a VOC content of 200 g/L or less
Curing and sealing compounds shall have a VOC content of 200 g/L or less

For joint filler, you might consider using the following:
Sealant Primers for Porous Substrates: 775 g/L
Other SealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid.: 420 g/L

Epoxy is much trickier, as it exceed allowable VOC content for LEED projects. I believe you can still use an 'epoxy allowance' if there is no other product option for the application.

Dieter, are you referring to the adhesive used to manufacture the foam insulation? Or an adhesive used onsite to install it? Just checking, since I wasn't entirely clear from your question. And if it's the former, this is not considered under IEQc4.1.

Thanks for your quick reply Tristan and clarification. I am referring to the adhesive used to install onsite.
Dieter

For inside the weather proofing system and/or installed on site, here are some VOC limits that might apply to your situation:
Plastic Foam Adhesives: 50 g/L
Multipurpose Construction Adhesives: 70 g/L

Thank you Peggy, very much appreciated. I will look for an adhesive within this limits. I also the category ´adhesive primer for plastic´, could that one also apply?
Regards,
Deiter

The primer for plastic would not necessarily apply - it is for formed, hard plastic items rather than foam plastic. It does get confusing!

Indeed it does :-) ! But thanks for making it clearer.
I´m not sure if this platform can also be used for specific products, but if you would happen to know something that would be within the mentioned VOC rate (50 to 70) and product application (plastic foam), I would be very gratful!

Hello Peggy, I was wondering if you could help me out with one more question. Since the reason of this credit is to reduce VOC in the indoor air, which I completely understand, the content of VOC of adhesives is important but also whether it is in contact with the ambient atmosphere. The definition indicates the list applies to all materials aplied within the weatherproofing, but what if the glue is effectively shut off from the indoor air, by let´s say a weather proof material? The insulation itself does not permit for air or damp to pass thru the material, so this should avoid any VOC to come into the air. Would you happen to know if this could be accepted?
Many thanks again,
Dieter

Hello

The parameters set forth by LEED Credits do not cover every situation and variation that might come up in the design. Good effort for sure, but it would be impossible to forsee how an application may meet the strict requirements and intent of a Credit, but still lose out because that particular variation was not anticipated.

I can't predict how they might respond to your case, but I've found that the LEED reviewers tend to interpret things literally - i.e., if the adhesive is 'inside the weatherproofing' assembly, then the Credit limits would apply, regardless of whether your particular design does not allow VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. into the indoor ambient atmosphere. While the literal interpretation by reviewers can be frustrating when you know you are meeting the intent of the Credit, it is also understandable - imagine how thick the book of exceptions would be! ;o) You can try to present your case, but be prepared to be knocked down, and remember that you may be risking the loss of obtaining that Credit if they don't agree with your reasoning.

Let us know if you are able to convince them!

Thanks again Peggy, your answers are very much appreciated. And it is indeed understandable, but defenitely also frustrating when your are in effect avoiding VOC to come into the ambiant air. First of all the VOC content might be high, but the amount of adhesive used is really minimal (we can prefabricate without glue but alwyas need a small amount to install), and then ensuring that the VOC´s can´t get out, should do the trick. Let´s see if we can use this arguments to convince the reviewers, I will let you know!
Dieter

Agnes, it is not currently allowed under the credit language. You'd need to submit a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide to see if this approach would be accepted.

I also need an asnwer to this question! The question posted by Dieter is not exactly the same as this request....

What is the VOC limit for Spray Foam Insullation? (Two-Component Spray Foam to be used in Door/Windor Frame systems)

If you are using a polyurethane based spray foam insulation, product literature indicates: "Spray Foam does not contain any VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. (Volatile Organic Compounds). Nor does it contain any formaldehyde1. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring VOC found in small amounts in animals and plants but is carcinogenic and an irritant to most people when present in high concentrations, causing headaches, dizziness, mental impairment, and other symptoms. When present in the air at levels above 0.1 ppm, it can cause watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; nausea; coughing; chest tightness; wheezing; skin rashes; and asthmatic and allergic reactions. 2. A known carcinogen with no known safe exposure level. Formaldehyde occurs naturally, but appears in unnaturally high concentra­tions in many buildings because it is an ingredient in binders used in many building materials and furnishings., bleach, CFCsChlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a compound of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine, once commonly used in refrigeration, that depletes the stratospheric ozone layer. (Chloro Fluoro Carbons) or HCFCsHydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are refrigerants that cause significantly less depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer than chlorofluorocarbons. (Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbons)."

So they say...... ;o) It is inert, which is not to say it does not contain nasty stuff that might contibute to toxins emitting in the event of a fire, but it does not emit under installed conditions.

I'm not convinced that a spray foam insulation is in the scope of this credit. Does anyone else have an opinion on this? Yes, it's kind of used as an adhesive, and it has adhering qualities, but it's an insulation product—right?

Regarding the labeling on the can, it might be true that it doesn't contain any regulated VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate.. But that doesn't make it inert—the definition of VOC that is most often used is a technical one based on chemicals that contribute to specific kinds of outdoor pollution.

Tristan - no, it does not really belong in this Credit, as it is an insulation product, not an adhesive and more than a sealant (although it is used to seal around window and door frames). I was just answering her question. The quote is from typical product literature which all claim green, green, green, and I expect that it is correct in saying that it does not emit once installed. However, I'm quite sure it contains chemicals of concern so that during the manufacturing process and in the event of fire it is on the dark side of VOC issues.

Thank you! I totally agree with both of you. I have been toying with this issue for some time now and wanted some additional feedback. Even though spray foam insullation may not fall into this category, I agree with Peggy that it is a material inside the weatherproofing membrane that potentially could offgas toxic chemicals. I've been really stuggling on how to document this material and if it needs to comply with VOC limits. Specifically, I'm finalizing spec language and want to know if I should make a commment in the specs to require VOC documentation submittals. In the past I never have included it, but more recently I have given this a second thought and feel like from a Holistic stand point that limits should be applied to materials like this.

In your experience, have you ever seen a LEED Reviewer call out this material? Or seen Spray insullations spec'd with VOC limits? Just trying to do my full due dilligence :-) Thanks for all your help!

Hey Megan - I had two projects with spray insulation as an obvious building component, and the reviewers never asked about it. (Caveat: these were v2.2.) There is an insulation formaldehyde1. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring VOC found in small amounts in animals and plants but is carcinogenic and an irritant to most people when present in high concentrations, causing headaches, dizziness, mental impairment, and other symptoms. When present in the air at levels above 0.1 ppm, it can cause watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; nausea; coughing; chest tightness; wheezing; skin rashes; and asthmatic and allergic reactions. 2. A known carcinogen with no known safe exposure level. Formaldehyde occurs naturally, but appears in unnaturally high concentra­tions in many buildings because it is an ingredient in binders used in many building materials and furnishings. requirement (aimed at batt) in LEED-HC, but not NC.

Thanks Mara for the confirmation!
Will be interesting if they decided to expand in v4 :-)

It is included in v4 - the low emitting materials credits have become really complicated!

According to the review comments I recently received on a project, spray foam insulation must be documented under this credit. Below is the reviewers' comment:
"However, the Materials and Resources Calculator shows that several products (including but not limited to: Bayer Bayseal CC Spray
Applied Polyurethane Insulation and Southwest Spray-applied Fireproofing) have been installed on the project, but have not been
included in this credit as required."

According to the LEED review team, which SCAQMD Rule #1168 Classification of Material did the "spray foam insulation" fit in? I'm confused about the appropriate VOC limit. In Dieter Ploeger's previous post of March 8th, 2013 "Plastic Foam Adhesives" were discussed, but this doesn't seem to fit into that classification.

Perhaps you could send Rule 1168 to the Reviewers to ask them: http://www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SC/CURHTML/R1168.PDF

Timothy, I've had the same issue but have so far been told that I'm stuck with the current requirements. Volume and emissions are fundamentally different and can't be compared. Last year's Global Alternative Compliance Paths made great headway into many of the international challenges, but the only part of EQc4 it addressed was flooring systems. I'm not sure why they didn't bring the same logic to 4.1 and 4.2. Now that they've put out that ACP, though, it might give you grounds for a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide. Let us know if you ever hear any better resolution on this.

If the adhesives are being installed on the door offsite as part of its assembly, then they are not subject to the credit requirements.

Thanks for your quick response. If this adhesive needs to be applied ONSITE to glue the tracks together, will this need to comply with LEED VOC requirement? It is my understanding that ONSITE is considered within the LEED project boundary, not just within the building. Is this correct?

I think the language is intended to capture the actual installation tasks for materials, products and systems that take place inside the weather proofing barrier. Technically, if the adhesive to assemble the sliding door takes place somewhere on the construction site outside the building and then taken inside to install, it would not need to comply with IEQ4 requirements (within the letter of LEED law). However, the intent of the credit is to minimize exposure to off-gassing VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate.. Without adequate conditioning-allowing the off-gassing to occur outside the building for a pre-determined length of time-it's a safe bet that emissions will still be occurring when the assembly is installed. Can you ask the sub/installer to find a compliant substitute?