South Coast takes major step in reducing toxics in our products
Air district sets precedent to protect air quality and public health

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are a large source of environmental toxics in consumer and industrial products, including paint thinners, multipurpose solvents and household cleaners. They pollute our air and endanger the lives of workers and families who come in contact with them.

Your environment and health are at risk

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) estimates that more than one million gallons of highly toxic VOC paint thinners and multipurpose solvents are sold in the South Coast Air Basin alone each year. Many VOCs linger for hours after application and can yield indoor air pollution levels up to 1,000 times worse than outdoor air quality! This can trigger asthma attacks and cause dizziness, nausea or even cancer.

A Breath of Fresh Air

In a move that could set a statewide standard for the manufacturing of paint thinners and multipurpose solvents, the SCAQMD Friday approved a rule
[Proposed Rule 1143] to limit dangerous toxics in consumer and industrial products. The newly adopted rule will reduce the emissions of VOCs, which are hazardous to California’s air quality and public health.

By 2011 the rule will reduce close to 10 tons of noxious VOCs that contaminate our air daily. According to William A. Burke, chairman of the SCAQMD, “that is equal to shutting down all seven major oil refineries in Los Angeles County.”

Learn more about our Breath of Toxic Air Campaign

Click here to learn about VOCs, your health and our environment.

Have questions? E-mail Luis Cabrales, senior campaign associate,
or call (213) 630-1192 x106.

View our fact sheet.