# Aerosol: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define aerosol, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/aerosol/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009, IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Use and Occupancy Classification (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 12 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Yes (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Aerosol is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Aerosols (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Aerosol** — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:

> A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Aerosol: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/aerosol/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define aerosol, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Aerosol**, in identical words.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant. |
| IFC 2009 | [Aerosols](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md) | A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant. |

## Where aerosol is used in the code

The term appears in 12 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Aerosols](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md) | IFC 2009 | 165 |
| [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| [High-piled Combustible Storage](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/high-piled-combustible-storage.md) | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| [Scope and Administration](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| [Explosives and Fireworks](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/explosives-and-fireworks.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about aerosol, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> The provisions of this chapter, the International BUilding Code and NFPA 30B shall apply to the manufacturing, storage and display of aerosol products.

— [IFC 2009 §2801.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md)

> Aerosol storage rooms and general-purpose warehouses containing aerosols shall be provided with an approved manual fire alarm system where required by this code.

— [IFC 2009 §907.2.16](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md)

> An operational permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products in excess of 500 pounds (227 kg) net weight.

— [IFC 2009 §105.6.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md)


## The terms aerosol is built out of

The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what aerosol covers:

- **[Aerosol Container](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/aerosol-container.md)** — IBC 2009: A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol.
- **[Propellant](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/propellant.md)** — IFC 2009: The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated.
- **[Container](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/container.md)** — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.

## Aerosol: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Aerosols | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aerosols (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Aerosol Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Propellant | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Aerosol Container: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/aerosol-container.md)
- [Propellant: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/propellant.md)
- [Container: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/container.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of aerosol?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on aerosol?

In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Aerosols in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What are aerosol levels?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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