It’s unofficially known as the “granddaddy” of adhesive volatile organic compound (VOC) rules. Almost 25 years ago, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) began to regulate VOCs in industrial and commercial adhesive products. In addition to being the first district to implement VOC limits on adhesives, Rule 1168 has also served as the model for how adhesive VOC regulations are developed and modified throughout the U.S.
Now, for the first time in almost a dozen years, South Coast is looking to make some significant changes to the rule, including a reduction in solvent content for specific categories and long-established exemptions, as well as an expansion to the types of products that will fall under its regulation.