The EPA has issued final standards regarding emissions of polyvinyl chloride and copolymers (PVC). These standards take an aggressive approach targeting air quality and citizen health in areas where thee facilities are located.
These final standards are based on currently available technologies and will reduce emissions of air toxics, such as dioxin and vinyl chloride. Facilities 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.
Exposure to toxic air pollutants emitted by PVC facilities can cause respiratory problems, cancer and other serious health issues. Children are especially sensitive to the cancer risks associated with the inhalation of vinyl chloride.
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 subject to the new standards.
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.