Too wide a brush on air pollution

Re “AQMD goes after paint fumes,” June 7

The Times’ story is somewhat misleading in saying that paints “are the single largest source of such emissions within the district.” According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s emissions inventory, gas stations emit 27 tons a day. Paints are a prime target only because they come under the district’s limited authority. Consumer products emit 104 tons a day (4.5 times as much as paint) but are regulated at the state level. Motor vehicles and other mobile sources are regulated jointly by state and federal agencies.

In any case, the new rule does not go after “paint fumes” -- it has no effect on emissions. Instead, the rule goes after money that would otherwise be used to keep people in jobs during these tough economic times.

Robert Wendoll

Los Angeles

The writer is director of environmental affairs for the Dunn-Edwards Corp.