Sherwin-Williams Faces Air-Pollution Fines and Corrective Action

Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection has ordered Sherwin-Williams to address air-pollution violations at its Rochester plant in New York after nearby residents described odors as 'pure chemicals' and nail polish remover.

The consent order requires the company to pay $124,700 in civil penalties within 30 days. Sherwin-Williams also must correct several problems, including a missing thermal oxidizer that destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Residents living near the plant reported that the smell of chemicals was overpowering and even entered their homes, causing breathing difficulties and eye irritation.