Utah Division of Air Quality

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) Section

Toxic air pollutants, also known as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), are those pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects or adverse environmental effects. The EPA is working with state, local, and tribal governments to reduce air toxics releases of 188 pollutants to the environment. Examples of toxic air pollutants 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 air toxics include dioxin, asbestos, toluene, and metals such as cadmium, mercury, chromium and lead compounds.

In Utah, the HAPS section of the Division of Air Quality enforces the federal Asbestos NESHAP rule (40 CFR 61 Subpart M). Since asbestos is recognized as a hazardous substance linked to asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer EPA promulgated the Asbestos NESHAP rule to control emission of asbestos fibers to the ambient air. This rule has specific requirements which apply to renovation and demolition activities at affected "facilities". As applied to the rule a facility is any institutional, commercial, public, industrial or residential structure, installation or building (excluding a single purely residential building of four or fewer dwelling units).
In Utah, the HAPS section of the Division of Air Quality is responsible for developing and implementing lead certification and abatement regulations for child occupied facilities and target housing, as mandated by state statute (R307-840). Specifically, the rules will govern the inspection and assessment of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards, lead contaminated soil and lead contaminated dust, and establish requirements and standards for the abatement of lead-based paint hazards.
The Division of Air Quality assists small businesses in complying with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), MACT and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) standards to reduce hazardous air pollutants and air toxics through the small business assistance program.

Last updated 03/01/06

Utah Division of Air Quality

150 North 1950 West - Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Phone: 801/536-4000 - Fax: 801/536-4099
For further information or questions, contact: Ann Rosser 536-4424

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