Illegal Gas Cans Still Found in Big Chain Stores

Illegal Gas Cans Still Found in Big Chain Stores



January 2008  - Wal-Mart has paid 
$250,000 to settle air quality violations stemming from the chain's sale 
of illegal portable gas cans throughout the states. This is the fourth 
time in recent years that Wal-Mart was found to be distributing illegal 
gas cans. 
The company sold portable fuel containers that create air pollution and do 
not comply with state clean air regulations, says the California Air 
Resources Board, ARB. 
The board has accepted a settlement of $250,000 from Wal-Mart Stores to 
compensate for the violations. The repeated violations were due to 
systematic computer errors that allowed the fuel containers into 
California. These have since been rectified, says the board. 
"Enforcement will continue to be an important aspect of cleaning our air," 
said Mary Nichols, who chairs the Air Resources Board. "The fumes from 
these cans should have been prevented." 
Air Resources Board data shows that the more than 11 million gas cans 
statewide contribute about 100 tons per day of smog-forming hydrocarbons. 
Of the 100 tons per day, about three-quarters are associated with fuel 
evaporation from vents and other types of openings. 
Permeation - fumes that leak through the container walls - and spillage 
contribute about 16 tons per day. 
State gas can regulations are intended to ensure that spillage and 
evaporative emissions are minimized or eliminated. 
ARB investigators found that between 2003 and 2007, Wal-Mart allowed more 
than 3,000 illegal gas cans to enter their California distribution system 
and subsequently be sold. 
"Because of their large numbers and lack of emission controls, gas cans 
contribute substantial amounts of hydrocarbon emissions, ozone-forming 
smog and related health problems," warned the Air Resources Board. 
ARB initially sought the maximum fine of $500 for each violation, but 
Wal-Mart's own investigations and extensive cooperation led to leniency in 
assessing the penalty. 
Ultimately, Wal-Mart paid $83 for each gas can violation. This range is 
four to five times the amount the individual products cost consumers. 
Hydrocarbons from these cans can lead to the creation of ground level 
ozone. Ozone irritates and inflames the lining of the respiratory system 
and causes coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It can 
worsen asthma symptoms, contribute to the development of asthma, and cause 
permanent lung damage. 

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