VOC Thresholds Update for Building Products

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08 Oct 2026

New CDPH changes are reshaping emission limits – what manufacturers should know now to stay ahead of compliance and certification expectations.

What is CDPH?

CDPH stands for California Department of Public Health. Their Indoor Air Quality program is one of the most widely recognized standards for evaluating volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from building products.

The CDPH Standard 01350 (CDPH Standard Method v1.2) is a testing protocol that the Intertek’s Clean Air Certification program uses to measure and evaluate VOC emissions from indoor building products. Instead of just looking at what chemicals are in a product, it measures what actually off-gasses into indoor air over time, helping determine real-world exposure levels.

Products tested to the CDPH are recognized by LEED, WELL and other green building codes & standards.

Why CDPH being updated?

For building and construction product manufacturers, indoor air quality requirements continue to evolve as new scientific data becomes available. The CDPH Standard Method (Section 01350) has long served as a cornerstone for evaluating product emissions and supporting compliance with green building programs (e.g. LEED) and indoor air quality goals.

In March 2026, the California Department of Public Health outlined upcoming updates related to chronic Reference Exposure Levels (RELs) published by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). These updates reflect routine alignment with public health research—and are being implemented with a phased, forward-looking approach.

What is the CDPH Update?

Chronic RELs represent airborne concentration levels below which long-term exposure is not expected to result in adverse non cancer health effects. Since the publication of CDPH Standard Method Version 1.2 in 2017, OEHHA has updated and expanded a number of chronic RELs based on new scientific findings.

To remain consistent with the most current health-based recommendations, CDPH is updating the Standard Method for a limited number of compounds relevant to building materials. This type of updating is not unusual and is part of how the Standard Method maintains long-term relevance and credibility

Which Substances Are Affected?

Four chemicals are affected: one for which OEHHA has significantly lowered an existing chronic REL, and three for which new chronic RELs have been introduced (the new limit for CDPH):

1,4 Dichlorobenzene (lowered from 400 µg/m3 to 2.5 µg/m3)
1 Bromopropane (introduced with a limit of 0.9 µg/m3)
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (introduced with a limit of 41 µg/m3)
Trimethylbenzenes (introduced with a limit of 2 µg/m3)

As with existing criteria, emission limits are set at one-half of the chronic REL, maintaining consistency with the established CDPH methodology.

Implementation Timeline

CDPH implementation schedule:

January 1, 2027

Updated emission criteria take effect for 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, reflecting OEHHA’s revised chronic REL.
Emission limits are formally introduced for 1 Bromopropane, Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, and Trimethylbenzenes, which were not previously included in Table 4 1.

What Does this Means for Clean Air Certification

Intertek’s Clean Air certification program currently evaluates products using CDPH Standard Method Version 1.2, and this remains the active version today.

Clean Air will transition to Version 1.3, the timeline for this transition is currently being determined. Manufacturers who are currently testing or certified to Version 1.2 do not need to take immediate action.

As always, Intertek will communicate clearly when updated testing requirements apply and ensure continuity for clients throughout the transition.

Planning Ahead Without Pressure

While these updates may prompt long-term planning conversations for some product categories, many manufacturers are already meeting—or are well positioned to meet—the updated criteria. For those evaluating future testing or product modifications, early awareness can support smoother certification and development timelines.
Intertek can assist with:

Understanding how updated criteria may intersect with your product portfolio
Strategically planning future testing
Testing reformulations and new product developments to the new standard

To learn more or discuss how these changes may affect your products, contact our Clean Air certification team.

Elle Henry

Program Manager for Intertek’s Clean Air Certification program

Elle Henry is a Program Manager for Intertek’s Clean Air Certification program, where she has managed program operations since 2024, supporting manufacturers navigating indoor air quality and VOC emissions testing requirements.

Elle brings a multidisciplinary background in program management, strategy, and marketing, with experience spanning the education, technology, and consulting sectors. Prior to Intertek, she led end to end program development, supported strategic initiatives, and drove data informed communication and outreach efforts across complex, cross functional environments.

As Clean Air Program Manager, Elle has focused on standardizing processes, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening client support. She applies a strategic, data driven approach to ensure the program remains consistent, scalable, and aligned with evolving regulatory and market needs.