EPA Finalizes Standards to Cut Emissions for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Production Facilities

Feb. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final standards for facilities that produce polyvinyl chloride and copolymers (PVC) with the aim of reducing harmful air emissions. According to the agency, facilities will be required to monitor emissions at certain points in the PVC production process to ensure that the standards are met.

One compound released during the manufacture of PVC is vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is a known carcinogen. In addition to cancer, exposure to VCM can result in an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects, damage to sperm-producing organs, a decrease in bone strength, and changes in the immune system, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, blood, and nervous system. Breathing VCM in the air is the primary means of exposure to the compound, although it can be absorbed into the body by ingestion and through the skin as well.

“EMSL Analytical tests for the compounds that these standards regulate, VCM and particulates containing chlorine, in our cutting-edge laboratory,” states Scott Van Etten, CIH, National Director of Industrial Hygiene at EMSL. “Our IH laboratory conducts a wide variety of tests, and we can design customized testing services for our clients as well.”

For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

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EMSL Analytical Inc. is a nationally recognized accredited testing laboratory and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, microbiology, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public.