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BROCHURE:

Painter’s Guide to Clean Air

SYNOPSIS:

"Painter’s Guide to Clean Air" brochure will assist and inform the public by (i) discussing the contribution of architectural coatings to the ozone problem, harmful effects of ozone, and factors to consider when choosing paints; (ii) increasing public awareness of availability of low- and zero-VOC paints; (iii) encouraging consumers to paint during non-smog months; and (iv) discussing pollution prevention concepts pertaining to painting. In addition, the brochure will partially implement Control Measure #97CTS-03 - Consumer Product Education and Labeling Program.

COMMITTEE:

Stationary Source, April 17, 1998, Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and File

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

On November 8, 1996, the Board adopted amendments to Rule 1113 - Architectural Coatings. As a part of the amendments, the Board adopted a future VOC limit of 50 g/l for flat coatings based on coatings available and sold on the open market. Since November 1996, several additional manufacturers of architectural coatings have introduced a variety of zero-VOC paints for interior and exterior uses. Current daily emissions from architectural and industrial maintenance (AIM) coatings are estimated at 58 tons per day (tpd), based on the latest CARB survey completed in 1994. The 1997 AQMP Control Measure (CM) #97CTS-07 - Further Emission Reductions from Architectural Coatings - Rule 1113 and CM #97CTS-03 - Consumer Product Education and Labeling Program require additional reductions of VOC emissions from this source through the use of lower VOC content coatings and the promotion of low-emission technologies.

Staff believes that public education emphasizing availability of zero-VOC and low-VOC paints is a key step in implementing portions of the November 1996 amendments. Such outreach activities are vital to success of the program.

Brochure

In order to help increase public awareness of the availability of zero-VOC paints, staff has developed a brochure entitled "Painter’s Guide to Clean Air". Staff plans to disseminate this brochure through major hardware store chains, including Home Depot, Home Base, and Orchard Supply Hardware. In addition, the brochure will be placed on the AQMD’s Internet home page.

Furthermore, staff is working with local hardware store chains to organize paint clinics and contractor breakfasts to allow consumers to become familiar with these low- and non-polluting paints.

Process

This brochure was presented to and reviewed by the Stationary Source Committee. At the request of the Committee, staff met with key industry representatives, incorporated some of their comments, and modified the brochure accordingly. A number of commenters remain opposed to the brochure.

Attachment

Brochure: Painter’s Guide to Clean Air

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