Stakeholder Workshop: 

Aerosols Sector 

March 19, 2013

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Introduction

• Why aerosols, why now?

– First in series of stakeholder workshops

• Goals of Meeting

– Present and future for sector transitions

– Inform the SNAP team and Vintaging Model

– Two-way dialogue

2
Scope of Meeting

• Aerosols Sector – Implementing Montreal Protocol 

& Clean Air Act

• Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) 

Program

• Vintaging Model

– How we collect and use information

• Discussion

3
CAA Title VI Aerosol 

Milestones

• Pre-1978: CFCs, other ODS used by aerosol industry -

excellent mixing, solvating & dispersing properties

– Propellant: CFC-12, Solvents: CFC-11, -113, methyl 

chloroform

– By 1974, about half CFC production for aerosol industry, 

majority for personal hygiene products (e.g., deodorants, 

perfumes, hairsprays) 

– 1975: Major aerosol manufacturer eliminated CFC propellants 

• 1978: U.S. bans CFC propellants

• 1987: Montreal Protocol signed

• 1990: Clean Air Act amended

– 1994: U.S. bans CFC & HCFC propellants and sovents; and 

establishes SNAP program 4
Identifying Safer Alternatives

Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program 

• Evaluates substitutes that reduce overall risk to human health 

& environment in industrial sectors

– Aerosols, Foams, Refrigeration and A/C, Solvents, 

Fire Suppression, Adhesives, coatings, inks, etc.

• 400+ substitutes reviewed considering: 

– Ozone-depleting potential

– Global warming potential

– Flammability

– Toxicity

– local air quality

– Ecosystem effects

– Occupational & consumer health/safety

5
SNAP Listings

• SNAP lists alternatives as acceptable, 

unacceptable, or acceptable with conditions for 

use

• Alternatives include:

– Alternative chemicals/blends 

– Alternative technologies (e.g., thermoelectric)

• Next generation alternatives

– Many climate-friendly options

• Currently SNAP has approximately 25 active 

submissions 

– Numbers have been higher in recent years, particularly 

for foams, air-conditioning, and refrigeration 6
Why is SNAP So Busy Now?

• Opportunities to protect ozone layer & climate 

system

– Climate-friendlier solutions being developed and deployed

– Corporate commitments to sustainability

• Montreal Protocol milestones help drive technology

– 2010, 2013 and 2015 are all milestone years 

• Other global, regional & domestic activities, such as:

– North American Amendment proposal to address HFCs 

under the Montreal Protocol

– EU F-gas rule

– Australian synthetic gas levy 

7
U.S. EPA Vintaging Model

• What? Tracks U.S. types of equipment and useful life 

practices (“end-uses”) of ODS and substitutes

• Where? Major Sectors: Aerosols, Foams, Solvents, Fire 

Protection, Refrigeration/AC

• When? Tracks chemical from when first produced and placed 

into equipment or product (“consumption”) through servicing 

and use until finally recycled/released to atmosphere 

(“emissions”)

• Who? EPA tool developed with input from industry 

– Other data sources (some CBI)

• Why? Consumption and emissions of ODS and substitutes

8
Vintaging Model – Uses

• Analysis of HCFC phaseout & servicing needs

– Estimated needs and available supplies (MP cap, 

recoverable)

• Projections of consumption and emissions for 

alternatives (i.e., HFCs)

– What if scenarios

• Reporting for international regimes

– Consumption and emissions

9
Foam Blowing Fire Protection Solvents Aerosols Ref/AC

ODS Substitutes

Flexible

Polyurethane

Extruded Polystyrene

Phenolic

PU/PIR Boardstock

Total Flooding

Streaming

Metered Dose

Inhalers (MDIs)

Non-Medical

Dusters

Deodorants

Metals

Electronics

Precision

Polyolefin

Rigid PU

Commercial Refrigeration

Integral Skin

Slabstock/Moulded

Sheet Foam Boardstock Foam

Domestic

Refrigeration

Spray Foam

One Component

Slabstock Domestic Refrigerator/

Freezer Insulation

Continuous &

Discontinuous

Panels

10
Aerosols Foam

Solvents Ref/AC

ODS Substitutes

Fire

Commercial Refrig

Industrial Process Domestic Refrig

Refrigeration

Stationary AC Transport Refrig

Mobile AC

Supermarkets

Condensing Units

Stand-Alone Units

Ice Makers

Display Cases

Vending Machines

Systems/Chillers

Cold Storage

Road

Rail

Ships

Containers

Residential

Small Commercial

Large Commercial Reciprocating

Dehumidifiers

Window Units

Central AC/HP

Ground-Source HP

PTAC/PTHP

Large Unitary

Small Unitary

Scrolls

Screw

Centrifugal

CFC-11

CFC-12

Mini-Splits

Trucks

Buses

Trains

Light Duty

Cars

Trucks/SUVs

School/Tour

Transit

11
Foam Blowing Fire Protection Solvents Aerosols

Ref/AC

ODS Substitutes

Flexible

Polyurethane

Extruded Polystyrene

Total Flooding

Streaming

Metered Dose

Inhalers (MDIs)

Non-Medical

Dusters?

Deodorants?

Metals

Electronics

Precision

Integral Skin

Slabstock/Moulded

Mobile AC Stationary AC

Buses Light Duty

Cars

Trains Trucks/SUVs

Centrifugal Chillers

CFC-11

CFC-12

What is the 

best way

to categorize

the Aerosols 

Sector?

12
Market Characterization

Questions

• Should EPA refine our aerosol categories? Currently:

– Aerosol sector only includes propellants; aerosol solvents considered 

with solvents

– 2 categories: MDIs & all other aerosols

– 100% emission 1 year after production

• Should aerosol solvents be tracked as part of the aerosols 

sector or the solvent sector? 

• Should EPA sub-divide aerosols into broad categories? E.g.,:

• Consumer; Technical; Medical (further divide MDI/non-MDI?)

• Continue with a single broad characterization but track exceptions 

(e.g., most of emissions are exemption in a single year except tire 

inflators, leak stop, etc.)

• Should EPA refine emission assumptions? 

– Should we differentiated (e.g., tire inflators)

– Example from other sector: A/C equipment, assumes varying lifetimes 

13
Additional Discussion 

Questions

• Are additional sector transitions expected?

– Transition within the current suite of alternatives?

– Should SNAP anticipate additional aerosol submissions?

• One climate-friendly alternative was recently added

– Are there barriers to transition precluding potential changes?

• What benefits have you seen from making the 

transition? 

– Decreased cost? Support sustainability goals? Better for the 

environment, performance?

• What additional information can be provided by 

individual companies or by trade associations to 

improve Vintaging Model or ensure our SNAP is 

prepared? 14
Discussion