AEROSOLS SECTOR STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP

March 19, 2013

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

1310 L Street NW, Washington DC, Room 152

CONCEPT NOTE: AEROSOLS SECTOR STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP

EPA is hosting a workshop for interested stakeholders to exchange information on the aerosols 

sector, one of the sectors considered under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program 

and included for analytical purposes in EPA’s Vintaging Model. The purpose of this meeting is to 

foster dialogue between stakeholders and EPA is seeking information on the current and future 

state of the aerosols sector. Toward that end, EPA will share information on the status of national 

and global activities relevant to stakeholders in the aerosol sector, and will provide an overview of 

our current understanding of market conditions and forces affecting the sector. We will also 

provide time for exchange and discussion, and open communication lines for further data exchange, 

to allow us to review and update our understanding of the aerosols sector. Because our aim is for a 

broad update across affected sectors, we will plan subsequent meetings for other sectors.

SNAP is EPA's program to evaluate and list substitutes for the ozone-depleting substances (ODS) 

being phased out under the the Clean Air Act (CAA). Section 612(c) of the CAA authorizes EPA to 

identify and publish lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for ODS. A large number of 

alternatives exist that reduce overall risk to human health and the environment. SNAP’s goal is to 

encourage a smooth transition from ODS by identifying substitutes that offer lower overall risks to 

human health and the environment. SNAP has reviewed substitutes for industrial sectors including 

but not limited to: Aerosols, Foam Blowing Agents, Cleaning Solvents, Fire Suppression, 

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and Adhesives, Coatings & Inks. The Vintaging Model is the tool 

that EPA uses to assess consumption and emissions of ODS and alternatives.

Aerosols contain propellants emitted during use. Aerosols use liquefied or compressed gas to 

propel active ingredients in liquid, paste, or powder form and many also contain a solvent. 

Historically, a variety of propellants and solvents have been available to formulators. Hydrocarbons 

(HCs) (e.g., propane, isobutane, blends) and compressed gases (e.g., CO2, N2O, compressed air) have 

long been used. Prior to 1978, CFCs were predominantly used by the aerosol industry. CFCs were 

excellent propellants because of their ability to produce a fine spray; they are non-flammable, could 

be stored under low pressure, and do not react with other ingredients. In 1973 chemists Sherwood 

Rowland and Mario Molina began studying effects of CFCs on the earth’s atmosphere. They 

discovered that CFCs were stable enough to migrate to the stratosphere and that the chlorine atoms 

contained in these molecules could break down large amounts of ozone in the stratosphere. In 

1975, a major manufacturer of household aerosol products eliminated CFC propellants over 

concerns for depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer. In 1978, the United States banned CFC 

propellants.

Many consumer products previously using CFCs were reformulated or replaced with a variety of 

alternatives, including not-in-kind substitutes, such as pump sprays or solid and roll-on deodorants.

Aerosol propellant alternatives include hydrochlorofluorcarbons (HCFCs) as well as the re-uptake 

of HCs, compressed gases, and oxygenated organic compounds. However, HCFCs are controlled 

substances under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and subject to 
regulation under the CAA including a phaseout of production and import. Sale and distribution of 

aerosols using HCFCs was banned in 1994 with few exceptions. 

HCFC propellants were replaced with a range of alternatives including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 

(e.g., HFC-134a, HFC-152a) HCs, compressed gases, and NIK alternatives. HCFC solvents were 

replaced by HFC-4310mee, HFC-365mfc, HFC-245fa, HCs, oxygenated organic compounds, and 

hydrofluoroethers (HFEs). Other low-GWP fluorinated compounds are in use or under 

development, including hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). HFO-1234ze is being used in the aerosol 

industry. 

AGENDA

1. Welcome & Introductions

2. Background

a. Montreal Protocol & Clean Air Act

b. Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program

c. Vintaging Model

3. Discussion

a. Should EPA refine how we categorize aerosols? Currently the aerosol sector in the 

Vintaging Model, used to project consumption and emissions of ODS and substitutes,

includes propellants broken into simple categories. Aerosol solvents are included 

with another sector. Are there better options to categorize aerosols? What 

information can be used to improve the Vintaging Model? 

b. In many sectors the SNAP program is receiving an increased number of submissions. 

Are new substitutes anticipated? Are additional transitions with existing alternatives 

anticipated?

c. Where a transition has been made, particularly to climate-friendly alternatives, what 

benefits have you experienced from making the change? 

d. What are the barriers precluding transition to safer alternatives?