Paper and other web coating mact summary

10. What are the health and environmental impacts of this rule?

The HAP emissions from processes in the paper and other web coating source category includes toluene, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, xylenes, phenol, methylene chloride, ethylene glycol, glycol ethers, hexane, methyl isobutyl ketone, cresols and cresylic acid, dimethylformamide, vinyl acetate, formaldehyde and ethylbenzene.  These pollutants can cause reversible or irreversible toxic effects following sufficient exposure.  The potential toxic effects include eye, noise, throat and skin irritation, and blood cell, heart, liver, kidney damage and possibly cancer.

The degree of adverse effects to human health from exposure to HAP chemicals can range from mild to severe.  The extent and degree to which the human health effects may be experienced are dependent upon (1) the ambient concentration observed in the area (as influenced by emission rates, meteorological conditions, and terrain); (2) the frequency and duration of exposures; (3) characteristics of exposed individuals (genetics, age, pre-existing health conditions, and lifestyle) which vary significantly with the population: and (4) pollutant-specific characteristics (toxicity, half-life in the environment, bioaccumulation and persistence).

Many of these air toxics (HAP chemicals) are also volatile organic compounds. Emissions of VOC compounds have been associated with a variety of health and welfare impacts.  VOC emissions, together with nitrogen oxides are precursors to the formulation of ground-level ozone (smog).  Ground-level ozone can cause respiratory irritation and lung inflammation and can aggravate asthma. Ozone exposure can also damage forests and crops.

Implementation of this rule will reduce HAP emissions from existing and new sources and thereby reduce associated health and environmental risks.  EPA estimates that the total capital cost of controlling air toxic emissions from this source category is approximately $198 million for existing major sources and approximately $12 million for new major sources.  The Agency estimates the total annual cost for complying with the rule at $63 million for existing major sources and $5 million for new major sources nationwide.