COUNTYWIDE : Tougher Limits OKd on Oil-Based Paints

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously imposed tougher restrictions on some oil-based paints starting next year in an effort to reduce hazardous fumes that contribute to smog.

Beginning Sept. 1, 1992, the county will impose standards that will force changes in the chemical formulas of some quick-drying enamels, primers, sealers and undercoats.

Starting Sept. 1, 1994, the restrictions will be extended to lacquers and lacquer sealers.

It is the fifth time since 1979 that the county has tightened its paint standards.

The standards target organic solvents included in most oil-based paints.

They evaporate as paint dries, producing 4.6% of the hydrocarbons released into the county’s air.

The standards are expected to reduce hazardous emissions by one ton a year.

Paint industry representatives and painting contractors have opposed the new restrictions, saying they would actually increase pollution by forcing people to paint twice as often with lower-quality paint.

They complained that the industry has not had enough time to develop high-quality alternatives.

In response, Supervisor Susan K. Lacey suggested that the county delay implementation of the standards on quick-drying paints for one year and delay the restrictions on lacquers for two years.

There was no protest when the board adopted the standards Tuesday.

County officials said Santa Barbara County has passed similar restrictions. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which includes Los Angeles and Riverside counties and parts of San Bernardino County, has also adopted similar restrictions.

However, paint industry lawyers have filed legal challenges to the restrictions adopted by the air quality district.