Regulatory Significance of Plastic Manufacturing Air Pollution Discharged into Terrestrial Environments and Real-Time Sensing Challenges

Abstract

Cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) is an onsite plastic manufacturing technology used in the U.S. and has not been evaluated for regulatory compliance with federal air pollution laws. The practice involves the discharge of manufacturing waste into the environment. The study goal was to estimate the magnitude of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discharged into the atmosphere for styrene and nonstyrene composite manufacture and examine low-cost air monitoring sensor reliability. Timeresolved emission analysis revealed that VOC emission was not only isolated to the thermal curing period but also occurred before and after curing. In addition to the styrene monomer, other gasphase hazardous air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act were also emitted. Based on typical CIPP installations, 0.9 to 16.6 U.S. tons of emitted VOCs were estimated for styrene CIPPs, and 0.09 to 1.6 U.S. tons of emitted VOCs were estimated for nonstyrene CIPPs. Because the number and size of CIPPs manufactured in a single community can vary, the total air pollution burden will significantly differ across communities. Low-cost VOC sensors commonly utilized near CIPP manufacturing activities did not accurately quantify styrene and should not be relied upon for that purpose. Up to several thousand-fold detection differences were observed. Regulatory evaluation of CIPP air pollution and PID sensor reliability assessments are recommended.

Diversity of organic components in airborne waste discharged from sewer pipe repairs

“…13–15 These installations have led to more than 146 reports of ambient and indoor air contamination incidents that affected schools, daycare centers, homes, offices, and even prompted building evacuations. 4,5,16–18 However, the composition of these emissions remains ambiguous. 19…”

“…[13][14][15] These installations have led to more than 146 reports of ambient and indoor air contamination incidents that affected schools, daycare centers, homes, offices, and even prompted building evacuations. 4,5,[16][17][18] However, the composition of these emissions remains ambiguous. 19 In order to understand the complex, multiphase emissions, it is important to systematically investigate all aspects of the installation process, including the chemical composition of different resin types.…”