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Lakewood, Washington coatings manufacturer fined $14,500 for chemical reporting violations

Release Date: 06/17/2010
Contact Information: Graham Kirn, EPA Toxics Release Inventory Program, (206) 553-5810, [email protected] Tony Brown, EPA Public Affairs, (206) 553-1203, [email protected]

(Seattle – June 17, 2010) Specialty Products, Inc. has agreed to pay a $14,500 penalty for violations of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act at its Lakewood, Washington facility. The company has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failure to report its use of toxic diisocyanates to the Toxics Release Inventory. Specialty Products, Inc. manufactures protective coatings for a variety of surfaces including metals, concrete, wood, glass, and polyurethane foam.

The company failed to promptly submit Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reports to EPA and the State of Washington for its use of diisocyanates in 2006, 2007, and 2008. After EPA notified the company of the missing reports, it filed the outstanding reports with both EPA and Washington State. The Toxics Release Inventory provides the public with valuable information about toxic chemicals being used and released in their communities.

“When companies fail to submit complete and timely reports, they deprive the public of information that is valuable in decision-making," said Rick Albright, the Director of EPA’s Office of Air, Waste and Toxics in Seattle. "Companies that fail to follow through on their reporting responsibilities can face significant fines."

Diisocyanates are used as components in several of the coatings manufactured by Specialty Products. Individuals exposed to diisocyanates may develop serious or fatal respiratory disease. Symptoms may occur following acute or chronic exposure.

For additional information about the Toxics Release Inventory Program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/tri/

For more about toxic effects of diisocyanates, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma.html