National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Cumene (1-methylethylbenzene): Sources of emissions

Industry sources

The primary sources of cumene are the industries that manufacture it or use it in production. Some of the industries that manufacture it or use it in production are oil refiners, chemical industry, rubber manufacturers, pharmaceutical industry, pulp and paper manufacturing, roofing and paving, plastics manufacturing, manufacturers of paints, varnishes and lacquers. These emissions mainly are to the air, but are also to the soil and water.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data

Other possible emitters of cumene are vapours and spilling of petrol, commercial and household painting and paint, varnish and lacquer removal, tobacco smoke, and consumer products containing cumene. These emissions are to the air unless there is a spill.

Natural sources

Natural sources of cumene include crude petroleum and coal tar. It is also found in the oils of plants, marsh grasses and in some foods.

Transport sources

Some cumene is found in the exhaust of motor vehicles, jet engines, and outboard motors.

Consumer products

Some of the consumer products containing cumene are foam plastic insulation, rubber floor and wall coverings, bathmats, vinyl floor tile, wood office desks and furniture (modular) and thinners for paints, lacquers and enamels.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist