Environmental Effects of Methacrylates
Methacrylic acid and the basic methacrylate esters (methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), n- and iso-butyl methacrylate (n-/i-BMA), and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (2-EHMA) are used as monomers in the chemical industry for the production of acrylic glass, polymeric binders for coatings/lacquers/varnishes and other acrylic polymers used e.g. in housing, for furniture and in the automotive industry. Manufacturing occurs in closed systems with modern emission controls.
Consumer end uses such as acrylic glass or acrylic paints are in polymer form, therefore, direct emissions into the environment are minimal. Only trace amounts may enter air or wastewater during production and processing.
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