Ethanol (ethyl alcohol): Sources of emissions
Industry sources
Ethanol is produced as a result of manufacturing basic chemicals, beverages, food, bakery products, iron and steel products, plastic products, motor vehicles and vehicle parts, and industrial machinery and equipment.
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
Domestic and commercial solvents and aerosols are thought to be the highest sources of emissions of ethanol. Ethanol is present in architectural surface coatings, as a product of burning or fuel combustion activities (including fuel reduction and bushfires) and from landfill sites.
Natural sources
Ethanol is produced from a wide range of microbiological processes (by fungi and bacteria), and possibly from some plants.
Transport sources
Ethanol can be produced in the vehicle exhaust when it is used as a fuel additive or substitute. Ethanol can also result from evaporation of vehicle fuels from motors and fuel tanks.
Consumer products
Ethanol is present in alcoholic beverages, a wide range of cosmetic and personal grooming products, household cleaners and polishes, pharmaceutical products, disinfectants and insecticides, paints and paint products (such as thinners), products made from particle board, lubricating oils, household and industrial inks (including printed materials), and pet products.
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