The report gives results of an analysis of atmospheric (air) emissions from ortho-xylene- and naphthalene-based phthalic anhydride manufacturing plants. Uncontrolled and controlled emission factors are given for each species emitted to the atmosphere from each source within a typical plant, based on the latest data available. Emissions data are used to calculate three factors designed to quantify the hazard potential of the emissions: (1) source severity (the ratio of maximum mean ground-level concentration of a pollutant to the concentration which constitutes an incipient health hazard), (2) the industry contribution to total atmospheric emissions of criteria pollutants, and (3) the population exposed to high contaminant levels from a representative plant. Detailed process descriptions and flow sheets are presented for the BASF fixed-bed ortho-xylene process and the Badger-Sherwin-Williams fluid-bed naphthalene process. Present and future aspects of pollution control technology in the industry are discussed, including a number of possible process modifications. Economic and production trends in the phthalic anhydride industry and in each of the industries that are major consumers of phthalic anhydride are analyzed. Water-related emissions are to be discussed in a future, separate report.

"EPA 600-2-76-032d." "December 1976." Cover title. Includes bibliographical references (pages 139-144). "Contract No. 68-02-1874 ; ROAP No. 21AXM-071 ; Program Element No. 1AB015."