Why Are Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) listed separately in the inventory?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is working to reduce releases of 187 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) to the environment. Examples of HAPs include benzene, which is found in gasoline; perchlorethlyene, which is emitted from some dry cleaning facilities; and methylene chloride, which is used as a solvent and paint stripper by a number of industries. Examples of other listed HAPs include dioxin, asbestos, toluene, and metals such as cadmium, mercury, chromium, and lead compounds. People exposed to HAPs at sufficient concentrations and durations may have an increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health effects. The USEPA predicted through computer modeling that Iowa has some HAP concentrations at levels high enough to increase the cancer risk in the population. A comprehensive inventory will help determine if the EPA data are valid and if additional control strategies are needed. It will also help EPA and DNR track expected changes in HAP
