TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Environmental Management Administration on Tuesday cited a synthetic leather manufacturer in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park for emitting toluene at 24 times the legal limit, marking the nation’s first such infraction.
The administration analyzed data from air-quality sensors and cross-checked it with the company’s waste-management reports to find the manufacturer had illegally released volatile gases and failed to pay required emissions-related fees, which fund government monitoring and pollution-control programs, per UDN.
The administration said the company’s waste report claimed the use of water-based, eco-friendly resin coatings. In reality, it used coatings with high levels of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone, a flammable industrial solvent. The company also underreported raw material usage to avoid paying regulatory fees.
In addition to recovering the fees, authorities have referred the case to the Changhua District Prosecutors Office for criminal investigation. Under the Air Pollution Control Act, companies that exceed emission limits face up to seven years in prison and fines ranging from NT$1 million (US$31,000) to NT$15 million.
The administration urged firms engaged in chemical manufacturing to install air-pollution control equipment or pollutant-treatment facilities. It added that if the types or quantities of raw materials change, businesses must report them to local environmental authorities to avoid being suspected of underpaying required compliance fees.
Toluene is a harmful air pollutant that can cause eye and respiratory irritation, along with symptoms such as headaches and nausea when inhaled. Prolonged exposure has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as harm to the central nervous system.
Between August 2023 and September 2025, the ministry investigated 113 cases involving excessive emissions of exhaust gases and wastewater or illegal waste disposal. During this period, 1,133 individuals were referred to district prosecutors, and fines exceeding NT$34 million were issued.
The ministry pledged to strengthen enforcement by introducing AI technology and surveillance systems to monitor pollution sources and air quality.
