by Brianna Crandall — February 24, 2012—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued strong final standards requiring facilities that produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and copolymers to reduce harmful air emissions, which will improve air quality and protect the health of both employees and the people in communities where facilities are located. Exposure to toxic air pollutants such as vinyl chloride can cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues, and can increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly in children, notes EPA.
The final standards are based on currently available technologies and will reduce emissions of air toxics, such as dioxin and vinyl chloride. Plant managers and owners will have the flexibility to choose the most practical and cost-effective control technology or technique to reduce the emissions. Facilities will be required to monitor emissions at certain points in the PVC production process to ensure that the standards are met.
PVC production facilities manufacture PVC resins that are used to make a large number of commercial and industrial products at other manufacturing facilities. These products include latex paints, coatings, adhesives, clear plastics, rigid plastics, and flooring.
Currently, there are 17 PVC production facilities throughout the United States, with a majority of these facilities located in Louisiana and Texas. All existing and any new PVC production facilities are covered by the final rule. EPA had a 74-day public comment period and held two public hearings on the proposal before issuing the final rule.
