In September, 2005, DES adopted new regulations (Env-A 4100) relating to consumer products. The rule, which is based on a model rule developed by the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), will cause a reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These reductions are needed to assist the state in attaining the national ambient air quality standard for ozone and to replace the reductions lost when the state opted out of the reformulated gasoline program.

The rule requires manufacturers to reduce the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of consumer products such as air fresheners, windshield washer fluids, carpet cleaners, deodorants, floor polishes, hairsprays, metal polishes, and shaving creams. The purpose of such reductions is to lower emissions of VOCs to the ambient air from the use of these common household products. The rule applies to anyone who sells, supplies, offers for sale, or manufactures consumer products on or after January 1, 2007, for use in New Hampshire.

Manufacturers are now required to reduce the VOC content of many consumer products. All of the northeast states are adopting or have already adopted the same standards, so compliant products are being made by the manufacturers for the entire area. Manufacturers are responsible for date coding their products and for keeping records on products containing one percent or more of perchloroethylene or methylene chloride for three years, as these compounds are potentially hazardous if misused.

Chapter Env-A 4100: Consumer Products