VOC emission inventory of architectural coatings and adhesives for new buildings in China based on investigated and measured data

Architectural decoration is one of the most important sources of anthropogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in China, as well as one of the major sources of indoor air pollution, which negatively affects the comfort, health, and productivity of residents. In this study, a VOC emission inventory of architectural coatings and adhesives for new buildings in China in 2017 was developed based on building area, using a new database established through a bottom-up activity level investigation and analysis of large number of samples. Our results show that the investigated coating ratio of exterior walls distinctly differed from the empirical value. The comprehensive VOC emission factors and total emissions for architectural coatings and adhesives in China in 2017 were 214.5 kg km(-2) and 614 kt, respectively, with floor coatings (41.1%) and solvent-based adhesives (18.2%) being the highest contributors to emissions. Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Guangdong were the five largest emission contributors, accounting for 39.1% of VOC emissions from architectural coatings and adhesives for new buildings. Market access and supervision of architectural materials should be strengthened maximally, and gradual phasing out of solvent-based coatings and adhesives is advised in the future in China.

Automated summary

Architectural decoration is a significant source of VOC emissions in China, leading to indoor air pollution. The VOC emission inventory for architectural coatings and adhesives in new buildings in China in 2017 revealed that floor coatings and solvent-based adhesives were the major contributors. It is recommended that China strengthens market access and supervision of architectural materials, and gradually eliminates solvent-based coatings and adhesives in the future.