Reactivity/Volatility Classification of Selected Organic Chemicals: Existing Data

摘要

This study deals with the reactivity/volatility classification of some 118 organic chemicals specified by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The classification system has been developed based on existing and available information. It was clear at the outset that little or no experimental data were available for a significant fraction of these chemicals. In such cases we relied heavily on our ability to make valid predictions, based on sound physico-chemical principles. As requested by EPA, a three-tiered individual, as well as composite, classification scheme of the reactivity and volatility of these 118 chemicals was developed. The three-tiered classification system was conceived as follows: Class I (26 chemicals): These chemicals are sufficiently nonvolatile or unreactive so that they may not participate in photochemical smog formation; Class II (17 chemicals): Chemicals that are borderline cases, or for which available data are inadequate to draw definitive conclusions; Class III (75 chemicals): These chemicals are both reactive and volatile, and can participate in processes of smog formation. Because of extensive shortcomings in existing information a number of recommendations were made to bridge current information gaps.