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 in the chemical industry as monomers 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 takes place in closed systems applying state-of-technique emission controls.
Consumer end uses e.g. in the form of acrylic glass or acrylic paints are in the form of polymers, hence, direct emissions into the environment are minimal. Trace amounts may enter the environment during production and processing in the form of emissions to air and in waste water.
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