About 6 million short tons of solvents were released in the U.S. These releases not only have a tremendous impact on the environment, but can also result in short and long-term human health concerns. For these reasons, regulations have been introduced to cut back on the acceptable amounts of harmful solvents released into the environment.
Particularly harmful chemicals on the TRI list under the category of “Persistent, Bio-accumulative Toxic pollutants” (PBT’s) are highly toxic, long-lasting substances that can build up in the food chain to levels that are harmful to human health and the environment. These contaminants can be transported long distances and move readily from land to air and water. The EPA’s Waste Minimization Program has drafted a strategy to reduce 53 PBT’s in RCRA-regulated waste through voluntary Pollution Prevention (P2) efforts [2]. The goal was a 10% cut in PBT’s found in the RCRA-regulated waste by 2001, and a 50% cut by 2005, as measured by TRI reports. The 2001 goal has been achieved, but meeting the 2005 goal will be more difficult. The focus of this initiative is to reduce the environmental impact of industrial pollutants, rather than merely the volume.