A rule proposing exclusion of TBAc™ (tertiary butyl acetate) from the definition of a VOC has been published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The reference number is 64 FR 52731, September 30,1999. Publication of the proposed rule begins a sixty-day public comment period. A final ruling is expected after review and consideration of all comments.
TBAc, a non-HAP organic solvent produced by Lyondell Chemical, is expected to find widespread use in coatings, inks, adhesives, industrial cleaners, and other formulated products as a result of the exemption and its versatile properties. It offers broad solvency, an intermediate evaporation rate, low density, and a flash point well within accepted industry parameters. The solvent's negligible photochemical reactivity prompted Lyondell to petition the EPA for the VOC exemption.
Lyondell is the first large-scale U.S. manufacturer and marketer of TBAc. Current production capacity exceeds 50 MM lbs/yr, with significant low-cost capacity additions available as market demand increases.
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LCC-01-02
