Acrylonitrile is a building block chemical used to make acrylic fiber for clothing, blankets, carpeting and other fabrics; rugged plastics for computer and TV housings; and nitrile rubber for oil-resistant hoses at gasoline stations and under your car's hood. Each year, more than 10 billion pounds of acrylonitrile is produced worldwide at more than 50 manufacturing sites, including six in the U.S.

The chemical process for making AN involves mixing and heating propylene, ammonia, air and a catalyst, in a large reactor vessel. This process can yield more than 80% acrylonitrile, as well as 10-15% useful chemical co-products. Wastes by-products from the process are managed according to strict government regulations and voluntary industry standards to protect people and the environment.