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Pharmaceuticals Production Industry: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

Pharmaceuticals Production Industry: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
Basic Information
Legal Authorities
  • 42 U.S.C. §7401
Federal Register Citations
  • 62 FR 15754
  • 63 FR 50280
  • 65 FR 452
  • 65 FR 19152
  • 65 FR 52588
  • 66 FR 40121
  • 70 FR 25671
  • 70 FR 25666
  • 75 FR 65067
  • 76 FR 22566
Code of Federal Regulations Citations
  • 40 CFR Part 63 Part GGG
Docket Numbers
  • EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0600
Effective Date
  • June 23, 2015

On this page:

  • Rule Summary
  • Rule History
  • Additional Resources
  • Compliance

Rule Summary

These national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) apply to major source facilities which produce pharmaceutical products. The major HAP emitted by these facilities include methylene chloride, methanol, toluene, and hydrogen chloride. Methylene chloride is considered to be a probable human carcinogen and the other pollutants can cause noncancer health effects in humans. The promulgated rule is estimated to reduce HAP emissions from existing facilities by 22,000 megagrams per year (Mg/yr) (24,000 tons per year [tons/yr]). It also reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Rule History

04/21/2011 -  Final rule (76 FR 22566)

10/21/2010 - Proposed rule; and supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (75 FR 65068)

05/13/2005 - Direct final rule; amendments (70 FR 25666)

05/13/2005 - Proposed rule; amendment (70 FR 25671)

08/02/2001 - Final rule and direct final rule; corrections and amendments (66 FR 40121)

08/29/2000 - Final rule; amendments (65 FR 52588)

04/10/2000 - Proposed rule; amendments (65 FR 19152)

01/05/2000 - Notice of proposed settlement; request for public comment (65 FR 452)

09/21/1998 - Final rule (63 FR 50280)

04/02/1997 - Proposed rule and notice of public hearing (62 FR 15754)

Additional Resources

Basis and Purpose Document for the proposed NESHAP for Pharmaceuticals Production

Summary of Public Comments and Responses for Final NESHAP for Pharmaceuticals Production

Fact Sheet: Proposed Air Toxics Rule for Pharmaceutical Production

Compliance

Title V Permit for Merck Sharp and Dohme Quimica in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico

Inspection Checklist for Pharmaceuticals MACT Standard 40 CFR Part 63

Compliance Assistance Tool for Pharmaceutical Production, Pesticide Active Ingredient Production, and Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing NESHAP: Comparison of Regulatory Requirements and Case Study Compliance Illustrations for Nondedicated Equipment

Compliance Assistance Tool for Clean Air Act Regulations: Subpart GGG of40 CFR NESHAPS for Source Category Pharmaceutical Production

Stationary Sources of Air Pollution

  • Regulations
    • Industry Sector Groups
    • National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
      • Area Source Standards
      • Risk and Technology Review Status
    • New Source Performance Standards
    • Good Neighbor Plan for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
  • Small Business Assistance Program
Contact Us About Stationary Sources of Air Pollution
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Last updated on March 28, 2025
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