Definitions for "Hazardous Air Pollutants"
Air pollutants which are not covered by ambient air quality standards but which, as defined in the Clean Air Act, may reasonably be expected to cause or contribute to irreversible illness or death. Such pollutants include asbestos, beryllium, mercury, benzene, coke oven emissions, radionuclides, and vinyl chloride.
Any air pollutant listed as such in Title III of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. These are chemicals that have the potential to cause serious health effects. HAPs are released by mobile sources and industrial sources. Also referred to as air toxics. Also see "Clean Air Act."
Chemicals that cause adverse health effects including cancer, birth defects, nervous system damage, and possibly death. Potential sources of HAPs may include some printers, drycleaners, and vehicles. Hazardous Material - A material that because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may pose a threat to human health and the environment.