State to add items it regulates for smog

Tag : Organic Compounds

"NOx is probably more important in terms of reducing ozoneconcentration," said Air Resources Board manager Carla Takemoto.But, she added, volatile organic compounds are an increasinglyimportant pollutant to control.

Studies have shown ozone reduces lung function, worsens asthma andcauses coughing and chest tightness.
The proposed amendment covers many common products, includingsingle-use dryer sheets, multipurpose lubricants such as WD-40,carpet and upholstery cleaners, and aerosol glass cleaners.

Takemoto said manufacturers would have to reformulate products toemit fewer volatile organic compounds.
"There are things that can be used that do not contribute to theozone problem," she said.
The amendment would reduce VOC emissions by about six tons per day.

Current emissions from consumer products – at about 245 tonsper day – have remained nearly static, after two decades ofproduct regulation.
Takemoto said reductions in VOCs have been offset by populationgrowth. While technology is helping cars to become cleaner, that'snot the case with consumer products, Takemoto said.

VOC emissions from consumer products are catching up with thosefrom cars. Currently, consumer products are the third-largestsource of VOC emissions in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleyair basins, and the second-largest source in the South Coast airbasin.

By 2020, consumer products are projected to be the largest emitterof VOCs in the state.
In Sacramento, the top two sources of VOC emissions are cars andrecreational boats. About the writer: Call The Bee's Ngoc Nguyen at (916) 321-1041.