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BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND. BACKGROUND. INTRODUCTION. LANXESS – INEOS - Lustran Polymers Produce plastic pellets used in the production of plastic consumer goods Hazardous materials used in production Acrylonitrile (suspected carcinogen) 1,3–Butadiene (suspected carcinogen). INTRODUCTION (CONT).

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BACKGROUND

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  1. BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

  2. INTRODUCTION • LANXESS – INEOS - Lustran Polymers • Produce plastic pellets used in the production of plastic consumer goods • Hazardous materials used in production • Acrylonitrile (suspected carcinogen) • 1,3–Butadiene (suspected carcinogen)

  3. INTRODUCTION (CONT) Short Term Health Impacts for Chemicals of Concern Acrylonitrile - “Extremely Hazardous Substance” concentrations over 16 ppm can lead to nose and throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and convulsions 1,3-Butadiene - Considered probable human cancer causing agent Breathing very high levels (>1000ppm) short period can cause central nervous system damage, blurred vision, and unconsciousness

  4. INTRODUCTION (CONT) • Series of malfunctions starting Oct .2004 resulted in significant air release of Acrylonitrile & 1,3-Butadiene • Oct. 2004 - 1,122 lbs. acrylonitrile & 34 lbs. of 1,3-butadiene released into atmosphere • Dec. 2004 - 700 lbs. acrylonitrile released • Feb. 2005 - 750 lbs. 1,3-butadiene released • Citizen canister sampling recorded 85ppb of 1,3-butadiene over one mile from facility

  5. MONITORING • Monitoring Program for long term or chronic health impacts started May 2005 • Still monitoring today • Highest recorded concentration: 1,3-butadiene 15.0 ppb (2005) Acrylonitrile 39.0 ppb (2006) • Average 1,3-ButadieneAcrylonitrile 2006 1.08 ppb 1.51 ppb 2007 1.4 ppb 2.5 ppb 2008 0.72 ppb 1.10 ppb

  6. MEREDITH HITCHENS SCHOOL • Following Public Health review (May 20, 2005) prepared by ODH and OEPA, School Board closes school • Additional monitoring done • Received call from USA Today reporter (Oct ‘08) who wanted to discuss school closing for upcoming article • Article released 12/8/08 - given heads up on Friday 12/5/08

  7. OUR RESPONSE • Formed a Response Team: Public Affairs, M&A, P&E representatives • Developed outline for response consisting of: • Basic Q&A from USA Today Article • Article cited PMC as source affecting 4 schools but PMC reported zero TRI emissions in 2007 • Health questions referred to ODH • Contacts: • First response: Sarah/Cory • LANXESS/Industry specific Mike/Pete/Brad • Monitoring Anna

  8. ACTIONS TAKEN • TERA air toxic report due Spring ‘09 • Used talking points and letter from OEPA - Mission to protect environment - OEPA job to monitor potential pollution - Pollution Standards set to protect most vulnerable members of society - Health and Indoor Air Quality questions (ODH toll free)

  9. ACTIONS TAKEN (CONT) • Fielded approx. 35 calls from public, schools, and media • Unannounced inspections at facilities identified in USA Today article • Called school administrators at schools identified in article to offer assistance • Conducted face-to-face meeting with interested school officials

  10. WRAP-UP • LANXESS monitor recording significantly lower concentrations of 1,3-Butadiene • Expect lots of interest in TERA’s 2007 air toxics report • Potential for additional air toxics monitoring (especially metals) • Surprised we didn’t receive more media interest • Critical lesson learned - Formation of Response Team must happen ASAP

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