A model for prioritisation of industrial air pollutants: Part II. Application

Abstract

A model for prioritisation of industrial air pollutants was recently developed for use in Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone (SJFIZ), Kuching based on the amount of toxic organic chemicals released into the atmosphere through stack and fugitive emissions. The Chemical Health Risk Index Number (CHRIN) rankings generated by this model indicate that xylene, among all chemicals emitted has the greatest health impact in terms of population and workers exposure with highest CHRIN of 4.246, followed by methyl ethyl ketone (3.153), trichloroethylene (2.244), ethylene glycol (2.214), methanol (1.697), toluene (1.479) and ethylbenzene (0.610). It is concluded that manufacturing facilities in SJFZ should devote its resources and research more effectively on xylene, followed by methylene ethyl ketone, trichloroethylene, ethylene glycol, methanol, toluene and theylbenzene on use reduction technologies and methods.