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HEALTHY AIR
A COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADERS GUIDE
9/12/05
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SHEET
Reducing Air Pollution from:
Metal Operations
Could your family
be affected?
The Pollution Prevention
Assistance Division
(P2AD) of the Georgia
Department of Natural
Resources provides
pollution prevention
assistance and training
to companies that have
metal operations. P2AD
has also developed the
Pollution Prevention
Partners (P3) program
as a means of getting
companies involved in
formalized pollution
prevention.
— U.S. EPA
Targeted outreach is
needed to meet the
needs of small and mid-
size companies.
Regional trade shows
and conferences may be
a good place for these
companies to keep up
with the latest
technologies and meet
vendors and government
and university technical
assistance providers.
Why do metal operations need to
reduce air pollution?
People who are exposed to toxic air
pollutants at sufficient concentrations,
for sufficient durations, may increase
their chances of getting cancer or
experiencing other serious health effects,
such as reproductive problems, birth
defects, and aggravated asthma.
Pollution prevention can reduce the
impact of air pollution by using
materials, processes, or practices that
reduce or eliminate air pollution at the
source.
Metal operations manufacture and
finish metal parts ranging from paper
clips to car bodies and spiral staircases.
Activities at metal operations include
metal fabrication, surface preparation,
metal finishing, and other processes, all
of which may release pollutants into the
air and may contribute to health
concerns in the shop and in the
community.
The best metal operations implement
pollution prevention strategies not only
to help comply with federal, state, local,
and Tribal laws but also to further
minimize impacts on human health and
the environment. Check with your state,
local, and Tribal agencies for existing
regulations.
What kinds of air pollutants may
come from metal operations?
• Metal operations can produce
emissions of toxic air pollutants,
including metals.
• Lubricants, degreasers, and cleaners
can release some toxic air pollutants
and volatile organic compounds
(VOC). Chemicals in these
substances can also react in the air to
form ground-level ozone (smog),
which has been linked to a number of
respiratory effects.
• Toxic air pollutants and particle
pollution (dust) containing metals can
result from the fumes generated by
soldering or welding operations.
While federal, state, local, and Tribal
regulations limit the amount of
emissions from metal operations,
dangerous releases of toxic air
pollutants can occur if a metal
operation is not in compliance with
regulations.
How can metal operations reduce air
pollution?
Making changes in operation work
practices can stop pollutants at the
source and increase production
efficiency. By evaluating and improving
work practices, operations can decrease
emissions, reduce production costs, and
protect employee and public health.
Examples of changes in work practices
that help reduce air pollution include:
Substituting Materials
• Use cleaners with low toxic air
pollutant and VOC content.
• Use metalworking fluids that are less
volatile.
Changing Cleaning Procedures
• Use cleaning procedures that reduce
the amount of solvent needed
• Collect and reuse old solvent.
• Reduce storage time between
metalworking and finishing, to avoid
using rust inhibitors.
The Solvent Alternatives Guide (SAGE) is an online guide for solvent and
process alternatives for cleaning equipment.
— U.S. EPA
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COMMUNITY INFORMATION SHEET
Metal Operations
9/12/05
Changing Processes
• Install an induction furnace for metal casting. This
will reduce particle pollution by 75%.
• Remove all paint and solvents from metals before
welding, to avoid generating toxic fumes.
• Use welding materials and processes that reduce
fumes.
As a community, what can you do to help reduce air
pollution from metal operations?
Make Connections
• Get to know local owners and operators. They know
best about the materials and processes used in their
business and the regulations with which they must
comply.
• Keep local media aware of progress by sending them
updates. Publicity can reward success and attract
more public involvement.
Make a Plan
• One idea is to form a work group that includes local
metal operations owners and operators to develop
and implement workable pollution reduction plans.
Locate Resources
• Use the "For Further Information" list below to
find governmental and nonprofit contacts who can
provide help with analysis, technical information,
equipment, and funding.
Encourage Pollution Prevention
• Small metal operations may need funding in order
to attend or provide training.
• Improved skills lead to reduced toxic air pollutant
exposure for workers.
• Work with pollution prevention organizations to
reach metal operators.
• Help sponsor trade show exhibits and training
workshops to show the latest technologies.
Reward Facilities
• Use media connections to provide coverage for
successful efforts. Positive publicity can mean
increased business.
• Visibly displayed awards or certificates may also
increase business.
For Further Information
National Association of Metal Finishers: www.namf.org, (407) 281-6445
EPA Air Toxics Web Site: vww.epa.gov/ttn/atw
EPA's Sector Strategies Partnership Program for the Metal Finishing Sector:
www.epa.gov/sectors/metalfmishing/index.html, (202) 566-1961
EPA's Sector Strategies Partnership Program for the Metal Casting Sector:
www.epa.gov/sectors/metalcasting/index.html, (202) 566-1407
Community Information Sheet for Electroplating Operations
Community-Based Projects: www.epa.gov/air/toxicair/community.html
Community information, regional, state contacts: www.epa.gov/epahome/whereyoulive.htm
Pollution prevention awards: State, local, and Tribal government agencies, universities
Training opportunities: Local metal operations trade association
Solvent Alternatives Guide SAGE: www.sage.rti.org
Toxicity of Solvents: Integrated Risk Information Systems (IRIS) (www.epa.gov/iris), Air Toxics Health Effects Note-
books (www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hapindex.html)
For more information, please see the Resources section of the Owner/Operator Information Sheet.
HEALTHY AIR: A COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADERS GUIDE
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