National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Phenol: Sources of emissions

Industry sources

Phenol is a common component of oil refinery wastes. It is also produced in the conversion of coal into gaseous or liquid fuels and in the production of metallurgical coke from coal. It may enter the environment from oil refinery discharges, coal conversion plants, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data

Released as a vapour from natural or human made sources contaminated by or containing phenol.

Natural sources

Phenol is found naturally in animal wastes and decomposing organic material.

Transport sources

None

Consumer products

Agricultural chemicals, disinfectants (non-agricultural), general antibacterials and antiseptics, household hard surface cleaners (liquid), lubricating oils, automotive chemicals, paint and varnish removers, pharmaceutical preparations, synthetic resin and rubber adhesives, wood office work surfaces (modular systems).

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist