EPA reaches agreement with Products Chemical on clean-air violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Products Chemical Co., 6400 Herman Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, on alleged clean-air violations.

The agreement, which includes a $33,911 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Products Chemical exceeded the volatile organic compound content limit for architectural coatings without reporting and paying required fees and without submitting required reports from 2000 through 2005. Products Chemical reported and paid the required fees in February 2007.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog). Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.