History

Dipping, coating, and cleaning can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. The Clean Air Act (CAA) was amended in 1990 and requires that State implementation plans (SIPs) for certain ozone nonattainment areas, which are geographic areas that exceed standards for harmful emissions or pollutants, require the use of reasonably available control technology (RACT) to limit VOC emissions.

Specific chemicals that contribute to these harmful emissions are:

• Chromium
• Cadmium
• Methylene chloride
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Methyl ethyl ketone
• Ethylene glycol
• Glycol ethers

The EPA issues guidelines to offer the state and local air pollution control authorities an information base for creating their own regulations. The guidelines contain a review of current knowledge and data concerning the technology, impacts, and costs associated with various emission control techniques. The EPA recommends that states adopt requirements consistent with RACT. States may, however, develop their own RACT requirements on a case-by-case basis, considering the economic and technical circumstances of individual sources of harmful emissions. It should be noted that no Federal laws or regulations prevent states from requiring stricter controls than those recommended by RACT. Some states may need additional controls in order to meet the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone.

To learn more about Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations visit our Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations Online Training web page.