Raising the concern that South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) revision of Rule 1168 would eliminate water-based products in a variety of architectural adhesive applications, the Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) announced it has submitted comments suggesting a more conservative approach of reducing these application limits. The association suggested reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) perrcentages by 10 or 15%, rather than the 50-80% reduction that the present proposal presents. In addition, the ASC questioned a new 50 g/l limit for architectural sealants and non-membrane roofing sealants that would eliminate solvent-based products in these categories and force consumers to choose technologies that are not reusable after they are opened, thus creating more waste and expense.

“One major directional change with this proposed revision is South Coast’s decision to regulate consumer product categories not already regulated by  California Air Resources Board (CARB),” said Mark Collatz, the ASC’s director of Regulatory Affairs. “We have specifically raised the issue of clear paintable and water-resistant sealants because until now this product was unregulated in California because of ARB’s definition for sealants. Clearly, this product type now needs a stand-alone definition and a higher VOC limit to maintain its efficacy.”   

For more information, visit www.ascouncil.org.