Ever since the Clean Air Act (CAA) was enacted in 1970, amended in 1977 and again in 1990, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continued to tighten the limits on emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the coatings industry. Fortunately, the development of new air pollution control technologies has kept pace with changing EPA regulations. The basic technologies of 30 years ago still are in use; however, today's oxidation systems are smaller, lighter, easier to maintain, and far more efficient and cost-effective than their predecessors. The challenge of regulatory compliance today lies in identifying the best solution for each specific facility and correctly integrating it into the process.
