Select a shop that uses water based paints and complies with all rules and regulations put out by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board. In general, California imposes controls on the amount of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) released into the air from the paints and solvents. The shop should also be using enclosed spray booths, as well as HVLP spray guns and reusable filters.
Hazardous waste: With the use of water based paints, a flocculent agent may be used up to 10 times to remove the small amount of paint remaining thus reducing the number of trips to the end recycler in Azusa, CA.
A dry sanding procedure should be implemented to reduce the amount of water used.
There are auto body shops that go beyond the rules and regulations and follow European technology which is about 5-7 years in advance of the United States. See below and Resources for suggestions.
Submitted by Ruth Peterson, San Mateo
Take Action:- Make sure your insurance company refers you to a shop that meets the above criteria. While the insurance company may direct you to a specific shop, you may choose any shop you want for your repairs.
- In San Mateo, go to Eric Pennington Autobody Paint Shop, 49 S. Railroad Ave., 650-347-8420
- In Daly City, go to Par Auto Body Repair, 7323 Mission St. 650-991-0900
- Find Automotive Resources in our Directory
Photo: Par Auto Body Owner Gustavo Samayoa is seen here outside the auto body shop
