Developing a process to identify material flow of a priority chemical

An Environmental Protection Agency-funded project was the material flow analysis of naphthalene-containing products in an effort to eliminate, reduce, or replace the sources of naphthalene. The project analysis began with manufacturers who use naphthalene-containing products in their processes. It identifies the basic characteristics of naphthalene as a common polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon, which is released to the environment. Included are likely sources of naphthalene emissions and releases as they were identified for further investigation. This paper, which is the sequel to IMECE 2005-82808, highlights a secondary objective of the project: to document the approach used in identifying the naphthalene flow from the raw material to its various products. This secondary objective was to show how process, product, and quantity data can best be gathered. Within the project, there were several means to collect data, some that have worked better than others. The purpose of this objective was to provide the framework of a proven approach to generating the material flow so that it can be followed for other priority chemicals that populate the EPA list.