Material Flow Analysis of Trichloroethylene in Korea

Abstract

Objectives:According to the material flow analysis, the domestic flow of trichloroethylene with the highest emission among carcinogens in group 1 was determined. The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for efficient chemical management and establish measures to reduce emissions.Methods:In this study, the material flow analysis of trichloroethylene was analyzed in Korea in 2014. The material flow chart was presented using STAN 2.6 software. The flow of trichloroethylene by region and industry was analyzed to identify the characteristics of each flow, and the emission reduction method was presented.Results and Discussion:Trichloroethylene was used up to 79.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 45.6% in the manufacturing of other machinery and equipment, and 29.4% in the manufacturing of fabricated metal products except machinery and furniture. Trichloroethylene was emitted 42.0% in the manufacturing of rubber and plastics products and 26.8% in the manufacturing of primary metals. The analysis of emissions by company size resulted in 3.9% of total emissions from large companies, 61.6% from mid-sized companies, and 34.5% from small-sized companies. Trichloroethylene was used in various industries and regions, with higher emissions compared to its use.Conclusions:Trichloroethylene has been emitted in large quantities relative to its usage. The study found that the management of chemicals in small businesses was insufficient. This result of the material flow analysis is used as basic data to reduce emissions of chemicals. The result of the study helps to recognize the risk of chemicals and suggest alternative materials, introduce inter-company information and expert exchange system, introduce a total amount of carcinogens emission system, implement duties in the emission reduction plan, and consider emission reduction incentives. In addition, measures to improve risk are proposed to establish risk-based database.