Welcome to the VOC Emissions Calculator Application

How to Calculate Non-Fumigant VOC Emissions

DPR has developed a Web-based tool for calculating volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from agricultural applications of nonfumigant pesticides. You can calculate VOC emissions from single or multiple pesticide products and applications.

The VOC emissions calculated here rely on the product's emission potential (EP). EP is the percentage of the product assumed to potentially contribute to atmospheric VOCs. The benchmark method for estimating EPs is a laboratory test called thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DPR has alternative methods for estimating EPs in the absence of TGA data. These are standardized reproducible methods for determining product EPs, and so provide the ability to accurately assess relative changes in VOC emissions from year to year. EPs may overestimate the absolute value of VOC emissions under certain circumstances because they do not account for other factors that can influence emissions, such as application method or soil adsorption.

Beginning November 1, 2013, regulations by DPR to reduce VOC emissions from certain nonfumigant pesticide products go into effect. The regulations are designed to keep VOC emissions below a specified goal from May to October in the San Joaquin Valley. Designated high-VOC products containing abamectin, chlorpyrifos, gibberellins, or oxyfluorfen have restrictions on sales and use. The high-VOC products are identified when queried. The web page on Reducing VOC Emissions from Nonfumigant Pesticide Products has detailed information on these regulations.

Start a VOC emission calculation

For calculator-related questions, please contact:

Minh Pham
Phone: (916) 445-0979
E-mail: Minh.Pham@cdpr.ca.gov