California Air Resources Board

Thermal spraying is a process in which metals are melted and sprayed on a surface to form a coating.

Background

Other names for thermal spraying include:

• flame spraying
• metallizing
• hardfacing

The metals that are sprayed can be pure metals or alloys that are generally in the form of powders, wires, or rods. During the metal spraying process, air emissions can include metal fumes and small metal particles that may be toxic.

CARB is investigating whether the air emissions from thermal spraying need additional controls to protect public health.

Investigation and Regulatory Developments

• 15-Day Notice Package
• Advisory Notice of Administrative Change
• Thermal Spraying ATCM Regulation
• Compliance Advisory
• Regulatory Documents
• Thermal Spraying ATCM Fact Sheet
• Thermal Spraying Emissions Factors

Fact Sheets

• Thermal Spraying: A general overview of thermal spraying processes, the various applications used, and the types of industries currently using this method.
• Copper: A general overview of copper, the sources of emissions, the possible health effects, and CARB's activities.
• Hexavalent Chromium: A concise overview of this toxic air contaminant. The sources of emissions, possible health effects, and ARB's activities.
• Nickel: A description of this toxic air contaminant, the sources of emissions, the possible health effects, and ARB's activities.

Surveys

2004 Facility Survey

• 2004 Thermal Spraying Facility Survey - Final Report
• Thermal Spray Facility Survey Cover Letter - January 2004

2003 Materials Survey

• 2003 Thermal Spraying Materials Survey - Final Report

Note: The Thermal Spraying ATCM was originally codified in the California Code of Regulations, title 17, section 93102.5.

The Thermal Spraying ATCM was renumbered from section 93102.5 to section 93101.5.

This change allowed section 93102.5 to be used for modifications to a different regulation that appears in section 93102 (the "Hexavalent Chromium Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Chrome Plating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations".) The renumbering did not change any of the regulatory language or requirements in the Thermal Spraying ATCM. The renumbering was approved by the Office of Administrative Law in October 2006 as a change without regulatory effect.

Please contact The CARB Helpline at (800) 242-4450 with any questions regarding this matter.

Variance Application Public Hearings

Occasionally a public hearing is conducted to consider an application for variance from a specific volatile organic compound (VOC) limit in the consumer products regulation. If a variance is granted to the applicant, it will provide them temporary relief from complying with the applicable VOC limit. The available variance hearing notices and their affected consumer product categories are listed below.

• March 18, 2005 - Antiperspirants and Deodorants
• March 18, 2005 - Antiperspirants and Deodorants
• November 21, 2002 - Multi-Purpose Lubricants
• July 11, 2002 - Aerosol Coating
• February 13, 2002 - Adhesives
• September 28, 2000 - Hair Mousses
• December 17, 1999 - Hair Mousses
• March 2, 1999 - Aerosol Insect Repellents
• November 12, 1998 - Dusting Aids
• November 9, 1998 - Antiperspirants and Deodorants
• September 29, 1998 - Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Information on variances for Consumer Products can be found in Article 2, § 94514. Variances.

Information on variances for Aerosol Coating Products can be found in Article 3, § 94525. Variances.

The California Air Resources Board adopted the San Diego County Air Quality Management Plan for attaining the Federal 8-hour 75 parts per billion (ppb) and 70 ppb Ozone standards at a public hearing to be held on November 19, 2020. The plan projects attainment for the standards by 2026 and 2032, respectively. Below you will find links to the Air Quality Management Plan and CARB's staff report as well as other documentation.

CARB Documents

• Public Notice (October 16, 2020)
• Staff Report (October 16, 2020)
• Resolution 20-29 (November 19, 2020)
• 2025 Updates to Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets (February 14, 2025)

District Documents

• Plan (Approved October 14, 2020)
• RACT Demonstration (Approved October 14, 2020)

Listed below is the rulemaking schedule for the air districts that have planned a workshop or hearing for proposed amendments to their automotive coatings rules, consistent with the Suggested Control Measure (SCM).

The list is provided solely as an information service. Each individual air district is responsible for their rulemaking schedule. The California Air Resources Board is not responsible for scheduling dates, times, or locations of the workshops and/or hearing or any changes of those dates and times. Therefore, the dates listed are subject to change by the air districts. It is recommended that if you are interested in attending a workshop or hearing that you contact the individual air district prior to making travel plans.

Districts that have adopted the Suggested Control Measure

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in cooperation with the air pollution control and air quality management districts (district), developed a Suggested Control Measure for Automotive Coatings (SCM).

2005 Suggested Control Measure Documents

The SCM promotes uniformity amongst district rules, improves enforceability, and achieves additional reductions of volatile organic compounds. The Board approved the SCM on October 20, 2005. This web page contains links relevant to the development of the SCM.

• Status of District Implementation of SCM
• Staff Report for SCM
• 2002 Survey of Automotive Refinishing Coatings