VOC Regulations [2026]

OVERVIEW

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or Reactive Organic Gases (ROGs) are natural and man-made gases that can combine with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and react with sunlight to form ground-level ozone, one component of smog.

Ozone can damage lung tissue in humans and animals, cause respiratory illnesses, compromise immune systems, and harm crops. Ground-level ozone is harmful to both human health and vegetation when present in high concentrations. VOCs play a part in the formation of ground-level ozone.

California must reduce every source of VOCs to help solve its air pollution issues.

This course will familiarize applicators with California's regulations regarding pesticide use and was last updated with 2019 information.

Course Features

Lectures 9
Questions 20
Duration 1.5 h (approx)

COURSE OUTLINE
- Introduction
  
  8 min.
- The U.S. Clean Air Act and State Implementation Plan
  
  8 min.
- Emission Inventories
  
  9 min.
- Calculating VOC Emissions
  
  4 min.
- Default and Estimated Emissions
  
  8 min.
- California and VOC Restrictions
  
  3 min.
- Regulations
  
  9 min.
- Reevaluation of Non-Fumigants
  
  7 min.
- Reduction Strategies
  
  5 min.

CREDIT INFORMATION

This course is currently accredited by:

California Department of Pesticide Regulation (1 hour Laws & Regs)
Certified Crop Adviser (0.5 IPM, 0.5 Professional Development)

It is accredited for licensing categories: PCAs, Qualified Applicators, Private Applicators, Aerial Applicators, and County Permit Holders.

CONTRIBUTORS

AgCEUOnline thanks Randy Segawa, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, for his invaluable help in compiling the regulations contained in this course.