Biphenyl (1,1-biphenyl): Sources of emissions
Industry sources
Releases from industries producing, using, or handling biphenyl, or where it is used as a heat transfer agent (for example, electrical transformers).
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
Sub-threshold facilities.
Biphenyl enters the aquatic environment in wastewater effluents from textile mills that use it as a dye carrier; from industrial processes; and from leaking heat exchangers.
Biphenyl is released to the atmosphere as a fume during its use as a heat transfer fluid and, to a lesser extent, by volatilisation from soil and water.
Natural sources
It occurs naturally in trace amounts, mostly in crude oil.
Transport sources
No information.
Consumer products
Where used as a mould retardant in citrus fruit wrappers, in formation of plastics, optical brighteners, and hydraulic fluids.
No consumer products should intentionally contain biphenyl. However, it may be found as a contaminant in some foods, and possibly in dyed products such as textiles.
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