In the Northeast, the solvents emitted in the greatest quantities from furniture finishing are toluene, xylenes, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and methanol. 3 All of these compounds are flammable liquids that quickly evaporate in air. In addition, the . EPA considers them hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that can cause adverse health effects and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to ambient air quality problems. In the CAAA, Congress established a list of 189 HAPs whose emissions are regulated because of their probable adverse health effects. 4 The . EPA is required to regulate industrial source categories that emit large quantities.
