• Fuels : gasoline, diesel, kerosene (heating and aviation quality), etc.
  • Hydraulic, transmission (ATF), brake, power steering fluids
  • Oil : raw / crude, refined, processed
  • TCE  –  Tricloroethylene
  • PCB  –  Polychlorinated Bi-Phenyls
  • PAH  –  Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Benzene, Xylene, Toluene, Glycols, pesticides

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile, colorless liquid organic chemical. TCE does not occur naturally and is created by chemical synthesis. It is used primarily to make refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons and as a degreasing solvent for metal equipment. TCE is carcinogenic

TCE is used in

  • Degreasing
  • Spot removal in dry cleaning industry
  • Solvents
  • Adhesives
  • Lubricants
  • Polishes
  • Sealants
  • Pepper Spray

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a group of more than 100 chemicals that are also called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. PAHs are released from burning coal, oil, gasoline, trash, tobacco, and wood.

PAHs are found in industries that produce or use coal tar, coke, or bitumen (asphalt). They are emitted by coal and gasification plants, smokehouses, municipal incinerators, and some aluminum production facilities.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are a group of manmade chemicals. They are oily liquids or solids, clear to yellow in color, with no smell or taste. PCBs are very stable mixtures that are resistant to extreme temperature and pressure. PCBs were used widely in electrical equipment like capacitors and transformers.

Products that may contain PCBs include:

  • Transformers and capacitors
  • Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets
  • Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems
  • Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors
  • Fluorescent light ballasts
  • Cable insulation

Benzene, Xylene, and Toulene

Natural occurring benzenes: Volcanos and Forrest Fires (or any large brush fire, etc.)

Products Containing Benzene

  • Paint, lacquer, and varnish removers
    • Industrial solvents
    • Gasoline and other fuels
    • Glues
    • Paints
    • Furniture wax
    • Detergents
    • Thinners
    • Inks
    • Adhesives and coatings
    • Rubbers
    • Industrial cleaning and degreasing formulations

Activities/Uses Involving Benzene

  • Emissions motor vehicle exhaust
    • Burning coal and oil
    • Painting and lithography
    • Dry cleaning
    • Making chemicals used to make:
      • Plastics
      • Resins
      • Nylon and synthetic fibers
    • Making some types of:
      • Lubricants
      • Rubbers
      • Dyes
      • Detergents
      • Pharmaceutical drugs
      • Agricultural chemicals (pesticides)

Industries Using Benzene

  • Petrochemical manufacturing
    • Petroleum refining
    • Coke and coal chemical manufacturing
    • Rubber tire manufacturing
    • Gasoline storage, shipment, and retail operations
    • Plastics and rubber manufacturing
    • Shoe manufacturing
    • Aviation fuels

Occupations/People Who May Be Exposed To Benzene

  • Industrial, Corporate and Retail
    • Printers
    • Rubber workers
    • Shoe makers
    • Laboratory technicians
    • Steel mill labors
    • Gasoline service station employees
    • Aviation, Industrial manufacturing

Places Where Benzene May Be Found

  • Waste site management, airports, lawns and gas service stations
    • Air around waste sites and gas service stations
    • Contaminated well water, as a result of benzene leaks from underground storage tanks or hazardous waste sites containing benzene
    • Airline runways after washing, freeze control, fueling, etc.
    • Agriculture pesticide control
    • Fertilization of lawns, sports areas, schools, etc.
    • Storm drainage off of roads

Xylene is primarily used as a solvent (a liquid that can dissolve other substances), particularly in the printing, rubber and leather industries. Xylene is also used as:

  • Cleaning Agent
    • Paint Thinner and Remover
      • Varnish
      • Airplane Fuel
      • Gasoline
      • Shellac
      • Rust Preventatives
      • Pesticides
      • Lacquers

Toulene is primarily used in various cosmetic products, fuels, and other uses or found in products / elements such as:

  • Nail polish
    • Hair dyes
      • Crude oil
      • Pain thinners, stain removers
      • Adhesives, glues
      • Rubber
      • Gasoline especially racing fuel