On this page: SL Tec Product Page
On other pages:
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires all pesticides distributed or sold in the United States to applicant must show, among other things, that using the pesticide according to specifications &#;will not generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.&#; Certain products containing formaldehyde are considered pesticides under FIFRA because they are intended to be used to control microorganisms and other pests.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) gives EPA authority to require reporting, recordkeeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. In addition to TSCA Title VI, which applies to formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, the Act regulates significant new uses of formaldehyde pursuant to Section 5(a)(2) of TSCA. Such regulations are listed at 40 CFR Part 721, Subpart E.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle-to-grave." This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous solid wastes. The amendments to RCRA enabled EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Under the CWA, EPA has implemented pollution control programs, such as setting wastewater standards for industry and water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters. Section 311(b)(2)(A) regulates discharges of hazardous substances, including formaldehyde. The list of designated hazardous substances, including formaldehyde, is found at 40 CFR 116.4. A table of reportable quantities of hazardous substances, including formaldehyde, and applicability, notice, and liability provisions are found at 40 CFR 117.
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA sets limits on certain air pollutants, including setting limits on how much can be in the air anywhere in the United States. The Clean Air Act also gives EPA the authority to limit emissions of air pollutants coming from sources like chemical plants, utilities, and steel mills. Individual states or tribes may have stronger air pollution laws, but they may not have weaker pollution limits than those set by EPA. Formaldehyde is designated as a hazardous air pollutant pursuant and regulated pursuant to national emission standards at Section 112.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants under the CAA
Want more information on formaldehyde plant? Feel free to contact us.
Section 112(d) states that EPA must promulgate regulations establishing emission standards (NESHAP) for each category or subcategory of major sources and area sources of HAPs [listed pursuant to Section 112(c)]. The standards must require the maximum degree of emission reduction that the EPA determines to be achievable by each particular source category. Different criteria for maximum achievable control technology (MACT) apply for new and existing sources. Less stringent standards, known as generally available control technology (GACT) standards, are allowed at the Administrator's discretion for area sources.
Categories which formaldehyde is regulated under the NESHAP:
Section 202(1) of the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set standards to control hazardous air pollutants from motor vehicles, motor vehicle fuels, or both. The Control of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Mobile Sources rule allows EPA to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including formaldehyde, from highway vehicles and non-road equipment. Such regulations are found at 40 CFR Part 85.
Editor&#;s Note: This article has been updated from its original text.
In a much quoted study, NASA scientists found common indoor plants to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to &#;sick building syndrome&#;, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. NASA, with assistance from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, conducted a two-year study directed by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, an environmental engineer from Picayune, Washington, and a research scientist for NASA for over 20 years.
Dr. Wolverton&#;s study of the interaction between plants and air found that houseplants, when placed in sealed chambers in the presence of specific chemicals, removed those chemicals from the chambers. He concluded that plants can clean pollutants in homes, offices, factories and retail outlets.
Later, Wolverton expanded the study and assigned plants a rating from one to 10, based on a plant&#;s ability to remove chemical vapors or indoor air toxins, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation, and the rate at which water evaporates from the leaves. He summarized much of his research in his book, &#;How to Grow Fresh Air &#; 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office.&#;
Here are some details about the highest ranking houseplants in that study.
Top ten indoor plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit PPC Plant.