Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1995

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science.

Spray-paint formulations for surface coating processes usually contain volatile organic solvents as a carrier needed to provide a levelling effect once paint contacts a surface. The study is conducted on the existing level of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) used as carrier solvents in car-painting/coating processes at the Assembling Factory (2), TOYOTA MOTOR THAILAND CO.,LTD. Bangkok. The factory is using three tons of solvent per day in its painting/surface coating processes in which most of the volatile organic solvents are vaporized and released to the atmosphere, and thus, special attention is given to the spraying room and oven. High volume emissions of three relevant solvents being used: toluene, xylene, methylethyl ketone, which are designated as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), pose a serious threat to environmental and human health concerns. This paper deals with assessing the potential exposure risk of these compounds to factory workers and surrounding populace, and with proposing a technically feasible and economically viable control equipment as an alternative to improve risk management.