Committee amends, passes bill to restrict retail sale of difluoroethane; raises age and pack limits

The Senate Human Services Committee on an amended, unanimous vote moved to restrict retail access to difluoroethane propellants used in aerosol "air duster" products, citing concerns about inhalant abuse.

Senator Judy Lee, District 13, introduced Senate Bill 2195 and said she was prompted by a constituent whose son had become addicted to aerosol dusters. "I was contacted by an individual whose son has had all kinds of struggles with having been, addicted to what they call air dusters," Lee said at the hearing.

The bill, as introduced, would add difluoroethane to the state's list of volatile chemicals and require retailers to keep products containing it behind the counter or in locked cabinets, verify that buyers are of a specified minimum age, and limit how many cans a customer can purchase at one time. Victoria Christian of Legislative Council testified neutrally and…