Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3.
VOC emission limits
Many sources of both total and specific VOCs are required to limit emissions
to the atmosphere under programs designed to achieve compliance with
AQSs or hazardous/toxic pollutant standards (e.g., for benzene, styrene,
HCHO, etc.). One of the primary means to achieve compliance with such
limits is to use one or more “clean manufacturing” or pollution prevention
techniques. These include changing manufacturing processes and product
formulations to limit the use of regulated substances. Such practices limit,
and in some cases eliminate, emissions to both the ambient and indoor
environments (if the product is used indoors). A number of USEPA research
programs on IAQ are based on pollution prevention principles.
C. Application standards
Significant IE contamination problems occur when products are misapplied.
Standards of performance and certification may be required of corporations
and individuals who apply or install products that have the potential to
cause significant indoor contamination as a result of poor application pro-
cedures. Pest control service providers are the most notable example of this.
In New Jersey, for example, onsite supervision of certified pesticide appli-
cators, and conditions under which organochlorine compounds can be used,
are specified. Application standards for termiticides and other pesticides
vary from state to state, with some states having none.
In the United Kingdom, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) has
been used to retrofit insulate millions of residences. Unlike the U.S. and
Canada where UFFI has been viewed as inherently dangerous, U.K. author-
ities approach UFFI, and HCHO emissions from it, as a manageable health
concern. A British standard specifies the formulation of UFFI and mandates
a code of practice for its installation to minimize HCHO exposure levels
associated with its misapplication. Companies installing UFFI are required
to have the necessary expertise, suitably trained personnel, and a properly
formulated foam product.
Application standards can be required by regulatory authorities who
enforce compliance. They can also be established by a trade association or
by collective industry agreements. Such voluntary application standards are
self-enforced and depend on the integrity of individual installers and cor-
porate management. Application standards were proposed by the Formal-
dehyde Institute and UFFI companies. Their petition was denied by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) before CPSC promulgated its
UFFI ban (see below).
D. Prohibitive bans and use restrictions
Prohibitive bans are commonly used to help achieve ambient AQSs. Exam-
ples include prohibitions on open burning of trash and leaves, use of
