Environmental lawyer Sanders says congratulations to GrafTech for reducing PAH emissions related during manufacturing process as part of NPEP program.

GrafTech International Holdings facility in Clarksburg, W. Va., joined EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) in 2008. The NPEP program encourages public and private organizations to form partnerships with EPA and to commit to reduce the use or release of any of 31 priority chemicals.

Recently, GrafTech installed new pollution control equipment at the Clarksburg facility to reduce the total emissions released during the manufacturing process. The equipment removes petroleum coke from the manufacturing process, which prevents 1,600 pounds of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and benzo(g,h,i)perylene from being discharged into the environment. PACs and benzo(g,h,i)perylene are priority chemicals targeted by the NPEP program.

Both chemicals are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are created through the incomplete burning of products like coal, oil, gas and garbage. They can stay in the environment for extended periods of time and are not easily destroyed. PAHs can enter the human body by inhaling contaminated air. Other ways one could be exposed is through ingestion and skin contact.

GrafTech International is a global company with more than 120 years of experience in the carbon and graphite industry.