Toluene (methylbenzene): Sources of emissions
Industry sources
The primary sources of toluene 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, metal degreasing, printing, 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 toluene are vapours and spilling of petrol, commercial and household painting and paint, varnish and lacquer removal, tobacco smoke, and consumer products containing toluene. These emissions are to the air unless there is a spill.
Natural sources
Natural sources of toluene include volcanoes, forest and bush fires and crude oil.
Transport sources
Some toluene is found in vehicle exhaust.
Consumer products
Adhesives, Auto polish and cleaners, floor polish, hard surface cleaners, paints, inks, paint cleaners, paint and varnish removers and thinners, coatings, particleboard, leather dressings, lubricating oils, fingernail enamels and removers, shoe polish and cleaners, solvent thinned products (exterior stains, primers, interior stains, clear finish), colouring pens and markers, wood office furniture, vinyl flooring.
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
