Did You Know... Aerosols no longer contain CFCs that break down the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, but they still contain VOCs that pollute by forming corrosive ozone at ground level in the air we breathe.

any of the products that we use every day add smog-forming air pollutants to our air. Individually, it may seem like these familiar products add a tiny amount of pollution to the air, but collectively they spew several hundred tons of hydrocarbons into the air daily.

In one year, 35 million Californians using consumer products emit 82,600 tons of ozone-forming volatile organic compounds or VOCs into the air. This is equal to 20,000,000 (20 million) new cars driving 10,000 miles each year. The pollution fallout is so serious that the Air Resources Board is working with manufacturers to reduce the hydrocarbon content of some 3,000 products sold in California over the next few years.

Be sure that every time you, the school or your family buys, they choose air-friendly products:

1. Buy water-based products or brands that contain low quantities of volatile organic compounds. Products that contain VOCs are hair sprays, engine degreasers, anti-perspirants and deodorants, air fresheners, windshield washer fluids, and household cleaners.
2. Always suggest that people paint with brushes or rollers instead of a paint sprayer.
3. Use water-based paints that pollute less than oil-based paints and are easier to clean up.
4. Use safer cleaners like baking soda and/or environmentally friendly brands in place of harsher products. Go outdoors to use any product containing harmful chemicals.
5. Keep lids tightly closed on cleaners, workshop and lab chemicals and solvents, and garden chemicals when not in use, to prevent volatile chemicals from evaporating into the air.
6. Use pump sprays that emit a fraction of the air polluting compounds of aerosol cans.