Is Benzo[a]pyrene in the Air More Dangerous Than Toxic Oil? Environment Ministry Steps In, Reveals Timeline for Regulatory Action

On the 21st, environmental groups held a press conference, warning that long-term inhalation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the air is more dangerous than ingesting contaminated oil. In response, the Ministry of Environment stated that BaP will be individually regulated as a hazardous air pollutant this year, and related legislative procedures will begin shortly.

The Ministry explained that benzo[a]pyrene (Benzo[a]pyrene, abbreviated as BaP) is a common organic compound and a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs). It is not a chemical intentionally added or synthesized by humans, but rather a byproduct formed when organic materials undergo incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition at high temperatures.

Currently, Taiwan's fuel composition standards for mobile pollution sources set the maximum allowable level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in automotive diesel at 8% (m/m), consistent with European Union standards. The Ministry noted that it is currently considering tightening this standard further.

Additionally, BaP adheres to particulate matter in the air. The Ministry has already established regulatory standards for particulate emissions from industrial sources. Facilities using air pollution control equipment such as electrostatic precipitators and baghouse filters can effectively and significantly reduce BaP emissions alongside particulate matter.

To enhance public health protection, the Ministry announced during the Air Pollution Control Act amendment public hearing on May 11 and the release of revised cement industry emission standards on May 18 that BaP would be individually regulated as a hazardous air pollutant this year. Related legislative procedures are expected to commence soon.

The Ministry has also required special industrial zones hosting petrochemical processes to include BaP in their air quality monitoring programs. Monitoring data from 2022 to 2024 shows the annual average BaP concentrations in these zones:

- Yunlin Offshore Basic Industrial Park: 0.053 to 0.078 ng/m³ - Linyuan Industrial Park: 0.123 to 0.184 ng/m³ - Linhai Industrial Park: 0.113 to 0.170 ng/m³

Compared to the European Union's air quality target value for PAHs (using BaP as a representative, with an annual average concentration of 1 ng/m³), all measured concentrations are well below international standards. The Ministry confirms that current emission controls are effective but emphasizes the need for further regulatory action to minimize health risks.