reinforced plastic composites production mact summary

1. What is the purpose of this rule?

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to develop Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) emission standards reflecting Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) for major source categories identified under section 112(c) of the Act.  An initial source category list was published by EPA in 1992.  This list identified Reinforced Plastic Composites Production as a source category because it contains major sources of HAP emissions (major sources of hazardous air pollutants are those that have the potential to emit 10 TPY or more of any one HAP or 25 TPY of any combination of HAP).  Reinforced plastic composites facilities produce a variety of reinforced plastic products, including fiberglass bath tubs and showers, automobile and recreational vehicle parts, storage tanks, and engine and tool covers.

Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are those pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health problems.  Some hazardous air pollutants, such as styrene, are emitted during the production of reinforced plastic composites. Styrene has been associated with adverse effects on the central nervous system such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and hearing loss.  Styrene is emitted at several points in the production of reinforced plastic composites, including resin and gel coat application, storage and mixing. Although some gel coats or resins may contain inorganic HAP, such as lead in resin solids or pigments, EPA has no data to indicate the inorganic HAPs are emitted from the production process.  Therefore, only organic HAPs are addressed by the final NESHAP. 

This Reinforced Plastic Composites Production MACT standard will help protect public health by reducing emissions of styrene and other HAP from applicable production facilities in this source category. The final rule, published on April 21, 2003 (with an amendment published on August 25, 2005) will affect about 435 existing facilities that are defined as major sources of air toxics. EPA estimates that this rule will reduce nationwide HAP emissions by 7682 tons per year.