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EVALUATION OF STYRENE EMISSIONS FROM A SHOWER STALL/BATHTUB MANUFACTURING FACILITY
Citation:
Felix, L., R. Merritt, AND A. Williamson. EVALUATION OF STYRENE EMISSIONS FROM A SHOWER STALL/BATHTUB MANUFACTURING FACILITY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-96/138 (NTIS PB97-125439), 1996.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The report gives results of emissions measurements carried out at a representative facility (Eljer Plumbingware in Wilson, NC) that manufactures polyester-resin-reinforced shower stalls and bathtubs by spraying styrene-based resins onto molds in vented, open, spray booths. Styrene emissions were characterized for the three stages of manufacture by measuring styrene concentrations at the vents of spray booths used in each part of the process. In addition, styrene concentrations were measured at each ventilation fan exhaust. Emission levels were determined using EPA Method 18 to obtain integrated emissions samples and total hydrocarbon analyzers to measure continuous emissions levels during the EPA Method 18 sampling. Analysis of the EPA Reference Method data indicates that: (1) styrene monomer is the only volatile organic compound released in the process; (2) overall, approximately 4% of all material sprayed is lost to atmospheric emissions as styrene (approximately 19% of all styrene sprayed); and (3) emissions vary for each phase of manufacture, with post-spraying emissions of styrene (from curing molds) constituting a large part, approximately 29% of all emissions. (NOTE: Current EPA emission factors -- AP-42 -- for styrene emissions from the production of polyester-resin-reinforced plastics represent a composite of spraying/post-spraying emissions.)