News Details

May 2026  Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) announced plans to introduce stricter control measures for Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) generated as a by-product during incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition of organic materials. The authority will begin regulatory procedures to include BaP as an independent hazardous air pollutant under Taiwan’s air pollution control framework, aiming to further protect public health.

Taiwan to Include BaP as a Regulated Hazardous Air Pollutant

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that is not intentionally manufactured or added to products but is formed naturally during high-temperature combustion processes. Due to its potential health risks, regulatory authorities worldwide have established emission and air quality control measures for BaP and related PAHs.

Key regulatory developments include:

• Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) plans to initiate legal procedures to regulate BaP as a separate hazardous air pollutant.
• Existing controls already address BaP-related emissions through restrictions on combustion sources and particulate matter emissions.
• For mobile sources, Taiwan’s fuel quality standards currently limit the total content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in automotive diesel fuel to 8% (m/m), aligned with the European Union standard, with further tightening under consideration.
• Since BaP can attach to particulate matter, existing industrial particulate emission controls, including electrostatic precipitators and bag filters, can significantly reduce BaP emissions.

Industrial Monitoring Results Show BaP Levels Below International Targets

To strengthen environmental monitoring, the Ministry of Environment has required special industrial zones containing petrochemical manufacturing facilities to include BaP in their air quality monitoring programs.

Monitoring data from 2022 to 2024 showed that annual average BaP concentrations in major industrial areas remained below the air quality target value established by the European Union:

• Yunlin Offshore Industrial Park: annual average BaP concentrations ranged from 0.053 to 0.078 ng/m³.
• Linyuan Industrial Park: annual average BaP concentrations ranged from 0.123 to 0.184 ng/m³.
• Lin Hai Industrial Park: annual average BaP concentrations ranged from 0.113 to 0.170 ng/m³.

For comparison, the European Union’s air quality target value for PAHs, represented by BaP, is an annual average concentration of 1 ng/m³. The monitored concentrations in Taiwan’s industrial zones were reported to be below this international benchmark.

Implications for Industry

The upcoming BaP regulatory framework may have implications for industries involving combustion processes, petrochemical production, and other activities that may generate PAH emissions.

Companies operating relevant facilities should consider:

• Reviewing existing air emission control systems and evaluating BaP reduction efficiency.
• Monitoring future regulatory updates from the Ministry of Environment regarding hazardous air pollutant requirements.
• Preparing for potential additional monitoring, reporting, or emission control obligations following the implementation of new regulations.

The Ministry of Environment stated that the upcoming regulatory measures are intended to enhance air quality management and provide stronger protection for public health while maintaining alignment with international environmental standards.