Replacing HAP Solvents: Xylene and Toluene<p>Nuts & Bolts - April 2006
The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 were passed by Congress to further improve the air quality across the United States. Title III of the CAAA of 1990 expanded the original list of air toxics to 189 chemicals and chemical categories. Since 1990, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and methyl ethyl ketone have been delisted as hazardous air pollutants. Solvents widely used in the coatings industry such as toluene and xylene remain on the EPA's HAP list. This article is designed to provide formulators with suggested replacements for toluene and xylene in solventborne coatings through solvent substitution.