AgBB is the German evaluation scheme to ensure Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from building products used indoors. The scheme is in place to make sure emissions don't negatively impact human health and indoor air quality.
For paint shoppers, AgBB is a useful way to check whether an indoor paint has been assessed for very low emissions after application. This is especially helpful if you are chemically sensitive, have a respiratory condition, or want to reduce avoidable paint fumes in your home.
The scheme evaluates VOC and SVOC emissions from building products, including paints, varnishes and finishes. VOCs are volatile organic compounds, which can be released from paint fumes into indoor air.
How is AgBB Assessed?
AgBB testing looks at emissions released from a building product under controlled test conditions. The official scheme covers VOCs, SVOCs, carcinogenic compounds, formaldehyde and other aldehydes, with results compared against health related limit values.
More: AgBB evaluation scheme 2024
AgBB Assessment includes:
- Test chamber measurements - Products are tested in controlled chamber conditions to measure the fumes they release into indoor air. The AgBB scheme uses recognised emissions test methods, including DIN EN 16516 and the ISO 16000 series.
- Individual substance checks - AgBB does not only look at total VOC emissions. Individual substances are assessed against LCI values, which are health related concentration limits based on toxicological data. Published summaries of the scheme commonly refer to around 170 individual substances.
- Total emissions limits - The scheme also assesses total VOC and SVOC (Semi Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions. This helps show whether a product remains within the required limits after application, not just whether the wet paint has a low VOC figure. That's an important measure because the composition of emissions can change as paint dries inside your home.
- Carcinogenic compounds - AgBB includes checks for carcinogenic VOCs, with very low permitted limits for relevant EU category 1A and 1B substances.
AgBB focuses on emissions into indoor air, not just VOC content in the wet paint. This makes it stronger evidence than a simple "low VOC" claim on its own.
More: Fraunhofer AgBB scheme
What AgBB Means for Indoor Air Quality
Paint fumes and VOCs are linked with poor indoor air quality and health effects including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation.
Choosing paints assessed for very low emissions can help reduce exposure to avoidable indoor air pollutants.
For customers, AgBB is especially helpful because it supports more informed choices for low odour decorating and healthier indoor spaces.
More: EPA VOCs and indoor air quality
Our AgBB Assessed Paints and Finishes
Auro
Wall and ceiling paints
Auro 321 Natural Emulsion Paint - Economy white natural emulsion, MIT / BIT / thiazole free, with a low VOC formulation for everyday decorating.
Auro 524 Breathable Wall Paint - Durable & breathable white interior wall paint with Class 1 wet scrub resistance.
Auro 555 Coloured Paint - Tintable matt wall and ceiling paint available in 97 colours. Highly breathable, low odour.
Clay paints
Auro 331 Clay Paint - Natural clay based paint with excellent breathability, ideal for lime plaster, older homes and rooms where moisture balance matters.
Auro 535 Clay Paint - Coloured clay paint for breathable, ultra matt interior walls, with a natural mineral finish. Available in 97 colours.
Wood and metal finishes
Auro 516 Gloss Paint - Solvent free gloss for interior and exterior wood and metal, useful where you want a harder wearing finish without conventional solvent paint.
Auro 517 Matt Paint - Solvent free matt finish for wood and metal, giving a softer sheen for trims, doors, furniture and joinery.
Auro 560 Woodstain - Breathable woodstain for timber, suitable for protecting wood while keeping a more natural, vapour open finish.
Graphenstone
GrafClean - Washable eco friendly wall paint with strong durability, good breathability and a practical finish for busy interior rooms.
GrafClean Eggshell - Durable eggshell for interior walls and woodwork, useful where you need extra resistance, washability and a low VOC finish.
