This report summarizes data on air emissions from the production of acrylic acid. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide are emitted from various operations. Hydrocarbon emissions consist of acetaldehyde, acetic acid, acetone acrolein, acrylic acid, benzene, phenol, propane, propylene, and other materials. To assess the environmental impact of this industry, source severity was defined as the ratio of the time-averaged maximum ground level concentration of a pollutant from a representative plant to the ambient air quality standard (for criteria pollutants) or to a reduced threshold limit value (for noncriteria pollutants). Source severities were not greater than 1.0 for any criteria or noncriteria pollutant. Emissions from acrylic acid plants are not expected to increase in the future as plants are installing incinerators on new plants to control emissions.

Submitted by Monsanto Research Corporation under contract no. 68-02-1874. Includes bibliographical references (pages 46-51). Microfiche.