EPA limits sale of oil-based architectu ral coatings

A LTHOUGH the Sept. I dead- Fl line is long past, some California retailers are still unclear on how the new Environmental protection Agency limitations on hydrocarbon effluent emissions of oil-based architectural coatings, and the accompanying restrictions of the sale of wood and concrete sealers, and exterior stains and wood preservatives will be enforced. No other western states are currently affected by the regulations. (&e The Merchant, Aug., p. 20.

Referring to the volatile organic compounds (VOC) contained as solvents in these products, the new limitations restrict the sale of any stain and wood preservatives or sealers which produce emissions of more than 350 grams of volatile organic hydrocarbon effluents per fluid ounce. The 4l Air Quality Management Districts in the state have the responsibility of enforcing the restrictions.

"Confusion among retailers

Story at a Glance

EPA restricts sales of oilbased architectural coatings in some California areas. Bay Area,_South Coast, San Diego and Shasta County aftecteA manufacturers assist retailers in compliance.

stems from the fact that enforcement of the new restrictions may vary according to the dictates of local Air Quality Management Districts,', said Craig Glenn, northern California sales representative for the Darworth Co., manufacturer of a stain and wood preservative.

Affected regions in California include the Bay Area, South Coast (Los Angeles and Orange counties). San Diego and parts of Shasta County. The regulation allows the continuing sale and use of all existing stock regardless ofcontainer size. provided that such stock was manufacturer prior to Sept. I, 1987.

Manufacturers have been given the responsibility of seeing that products manufactured after this date for use in California meet the require-