It looks like the the lawmakers here in the midwest are following those of you on the coasts for more stringent requirements on the floor finishes, adhesives, and other VOC emitting materials. The country has been following California’s rules, which they say has considerably lowered the smog level in LA. The OTC States, which are located in the Northeast United States followed suit. Since then, California has made their laws more stringent, but the proposed and impending law changes in the Midwest will be following the guidelines set forth by the OTC States.

Ohio is set to drop January 1st, 2009. Illinois has a plan to implement January 1st, 2009, however it does not look like it will pass in time. If it does not, it will most likely be set to take effect July 1st, 2009. Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan are currently reviewing proposed plans, and will most likely implement in the next few years.

What does that mean for you? The biggest part of these rules is the 350 VOC level for floor finishes. All of the waterbased finishes that we sell are good to go. Oil Based Finishes are the big target, and will change drastically as you know know them. Most manufacturers are making 350 VOC polys, but they take longer to dry, as they contain more solids, and less solvents. You will also be able to but poly that exceeds the 350 VOC level, but only in quarts. This adds more cost, and more time to the job (20 Quarts = 5 Gallon Bucket).

For more info, please visit our Green Flooring page.