Worldwide Environmental Regulations and Their Impact on Lubricant Additives

Legislation in countries from all parts of the globe have been proposed or enacted in an effort to protect man and the environment from the effects of harmful chemicals. Since their inception these proposed or enacted laws have been effective safeguards in protecting man and the environment on a global basis. This paper reviews several of these regulations, including those enacted by the United States, the European Economic Community, Japan and Australia. General guidelines on what it takes to comply with these regulations and their impact on the lubrication industry will be discussed. Proposed regulations on marine pollution (MARPOL) and the effect of these regulations on the transport of lubricant additives and finished lubricants will also be reviewed.