by phydeux » Sat Dec 31, 2011 6:47 pm
AQMD air pollution regulations restricted retail sale of any cleaning solvent with a VOC content over 25 mg/l (0.21 lbs/gal) as of the middle of 2011 in the Los Angeles basin. Businesses don't get an exemption - they were required to meet similar restrictions in mid-2010. Paints and other coatings were also required to change their formulas to reduce their air-pollution-contributing VOC content in past years. Look on the label of the product and you should find a "VOC Content" value.
Deodorized kerosene has an additive in it that helps absorb and mask the distinctive odor that pure kerosene has (I always likened it to the smell of jet engine exhaust). Its usually an alcohol, or a light petroleum product like paraffin oil or some type of generic mineral spirits.
I looked in Home Depot today and couldn't find kerosene (pure or deodorized) or any other high VOC solvent; looks like the air pollutions regulatory requirements are being implemented. The only recogizable solvent on the shelf was denatured alcohol, the rest of the products were were pretty obscure as to what they contained, so not really sure whats in them (mostly petroleum distillates, an alcohol, or acetone). Haven't been in the local Wal-Mart in a while, so not sure what they have on the shelf.
Not sure about the high-proof crud that Bacardi tries to pass off as rum; I know tey sell the 150 proof stuff at a liquor store near me, but I haven't bought any in a few years. There's plenty of rums on liquor store shelves that are a lot better for drinking at a lot cheaper price.
Cheers
3 of the 5 voices in my head are telling me to "Go for it!"