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VOCs contents and species of multiple-use housing refurbishment coatings in China
A detailed analysis of VOC contents and chemical compositions in housing refurbishment coatings in China highlights their contribution to air pollution and health risks.
Numerous studies have explored the impact of VOC emissions from coatings on ground-level ozone in China. However, further investigation is needed into the VOC contents and species in housing refurbishment coatings to better understand their potential contribution to air pollution and health risks. This study analysed 78 representative coating samples collected from e-commerce platforms and local building material markets, reflecting typical Chinese consumer behaviour.
The VOC compositions were identified using gas chromatography and compared to the limit values outlined in mandatory national standards for industrial protective coatings. Results indicate that multiple-use housing refurbishment coatings have significantly higher VOC and PAHs contents than traditional industrial coatings. VOC levels vary by packaging and solvent category, with solvent-based coatings exhibiting higher VOC values than waterborne coatings, and spray can packages featuring greater VOCs than bucket packages.
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Future perspectives
To reduce VOC emissions, systematic administrative measures are needed. Housing refurbishment coatings should be treated as a distinct coating category, with VOC content limits balanced against film quality standards. Transparency and publication of VOC contents are key to compelling manufacturers to lower VOC levels and adjust formulations at the national level.
Source: Li, Y., VOCs contents and species of multiple-use housing refurbishment coatings in China. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 23, Pages 343–349, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-025-01136-1.
