DEAR SUN SPOTS: Why can we only purchase gas cans with those ridiculous spouts that leak and run all over when you tip them up to pour? When I try to fill my lawnmower, it is impossible to tip it up enough to get the spring mechanism to work and still be able to see how full the lawnmower tank is. It overflows all over my lawnmower and myself.

These new style cans are very dangerous in filling lawnmowers and other small home equipment and even vehicle tanks. The vent doesn’t work unless it is fully tipped up and into the fill hole. Have the old-style gas cans been outlawed in Maine? Why the change? This is not a better idea.— No Name via email

ANSWER: When Sun Spots tried to buy a replacement nozzle for her own gas can several years ago, the hardware store clerk told her that the old-style nozzles had been outlawed, but it took some digging online to find out more details on why.

At Maine.gov (http://tinyurl.com/6antkfx), Sun Spots found the following:

“[I]n Maine, an estimated 6.6 tons of ozone-producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the use of conventional gas cans each day! Each one emits about 8 pounds of VOCs a year through spillage and evaporation, or about twice as much pollution in one year as a new car! Plus, if you are storing that gas can in a garage attached to your house, then you’re first in line to breathe the VOCs and toxic compounds emitted by the gas.”

The law went into effect Jan. 1, 2004, and calls for thicker plastic, “which greatly reduces the amount of vapors released through the container itself.”

The same site also says the new cans are actually designed to prevent the spills that annoy you: “the spout is designed to automatically shut off flow when the ‘target’ container (e.g., you snowblower’s tank) is full. The spout also seals itself off automatically when it’s removed from the target container so you never have to remember to put the cap back on. Finally, the area around the spout makes a seal with the target container, reducing the release of vapors but allowing air to vent through an opening in the spout so gas can flow.”

Also, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://tinyurl.com/6egu4kd), another possible reason for the change could be child safety. Apparently there have even been deaths due to aspiration of gasoline, as well as accidental fires.

Finally, a tip from Sun Spots: Buy a gas can that holds the same amount or less than the tank on your lawnmower/snowblower, then you will never have to worry about overfilling.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day and gain so much from it. As it is the fall of the year I thought it would be beneficial to republish the name and address of the man who comes around to houses to repair and overhaul lawnmowers and snowblowers. He was from Auburn, and truthfully I have misplaced his name and phone number … oops! I would love to have it again. Thank you for your patience with me. — No Name via email

ANSWER: The Sept. 16, 2010, letter was from Nicholas Lagassee, Nick’s Mowers and Blowers. He said that he runs “a small-engine repair business that goes to people’s homes in the Lewiston Auburn area and repair snowblowers, lawnmowers, string trimmers, rototillers, etc., at their homes, or I will pick the machines up and service and return them.” You can reach Nick at nicksmownblow@hotmail.com or 577-1816.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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