Oil & Gas
What is BTEX?
BTEX is a term used to describe a group of chemicals including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. These chemicals are sweet smelling liquids which rapidly volatize in the air. They can be found naturally in crude oil and in the vicinity of natural gas and oil deposits. Historically, they have been used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products.BTEX releases to the environment
BTEX chemicals are released to the environment through a variety of man-made sources including: via emissions from motor vehicles and aircraft exhaust, during the production of chemical intermediates and consumer products, and from releases, leaks, and spills from petroleum facilities, pipelines and underground storage tanks.
BTEX chemicals released to the environment can: volatilize into the air, partially dissolve to surface or ground water, or can be bound to soils and sediments. Oil and Gas related activities can contribute to these environmental releases.
Human Health Effects
Occupational exposure to BTEX chemicals can result in adverse health effects such as: skin and respiratory irritation, central nervous system depression, and may cause cancer. The type and severity of the health effect will depend on numerous factors such as: the chemical, the concentration, and the length of exposure. Whenever possible, exposure to BTEX chemicals should be minimized.
Regulatory Concerns for BTEX Compounds
As a result of their nature to elicit
adverse human health effects, most governments have established guidelines for
exposure to BTEX chemicals to protect public health and the environment. Safe
concentrations in air and drinking water have been established. For example,
the US EPA has established permissible levels for chemical contaminants in
drinking water. The Australian Environmental Protection (Air) Policy specifies
guideline values for BTEX chemicals in air.
Due to the growing concern of BTEX releases
to the environment and their adverse health effects, many Oil and Gas companies
are looking to replace BTEX ingredients in their formulations. CRODA offers a
range of products that are BTEX free.
US EPA’s Drinking Water Program can be found here
Australia’s National Environment (Air Toxic) Measure here