The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recent approved revisions to its existing Consumer Products Regulation.

The proposal includes changes to the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be used in many automotive specialty products already regulated by the board, as well as proposing VOC limits for some products not previously regulated, according to information released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). 

Specifically, the new rule would require that carpet/upholstery cleaner contain no more than 5 percent VOCs for aerosol forms (currently a 7 percent standard) and 1 percent VOCs for non-aerosol forms (now 3 percent). Motor vehicle washes, currently unregulated, would contain no more than .2 percent VOCs. In addition, tire and wheel cleaners, also not currently regulated, would need to meet an 8 percent VOC standard for aerosols and a 2 percent target for non-aerosols. Windshield water repellant, which currently has no VOC limit, will now be regulated to a 75 percent VOC standard. All of these products would need to be in compliance by Dec. 31, 2010.  

Penetrants would need to meet a 25 percent (currently at 50 percent) VOC standard by Dec. 31, 2013. Multi-purpose lubricants (excluding sold and semi solid) would need to meet a 25 percent standard (currently 50 percent) by Dec. 31, 2013 and 10 percent by Dec. 31, 2015.

The rule approved by CARB also included a ban on the use of methylene chloride, perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene in carpet and upholstery cleaners, fabric protectants, multipurpose lubricants, penetrants, spot removers, sealant or caulking compounds and spot removers. According to CARB, the ban is needed to prevent manufacturers from using any of these toxic air contaminants to produce compliant products.

For additional information on the new rule, visit www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/cp2008/cp2008.htm.