Sam Winer Motors Site, Akron, Ohio

BTEX CONTAMINATION

What is BTEX?

BTEX is the abbreviation used for four compounds found in petroleum products. The compounds are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. Benzene, toluene, and xylenes are found naturally in such petroleum products as crude oil, diesel fuel and gasoline. Ethylbenzene is a gasoline and aviation fuel additive. They are also used extensively in manufacturing processes. Benzene is used in the production of synthetic materials and consumer products, such as synthetic rubber, plastics, nylon, insecticides and paints. Toluene is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, gums, oils, and resins. Ethylbenzene may be present in consumer products such as paints, inks, plastics, and pesticides. Xylenes are used as a solvent in printing, rubber, and leather industries. The term BTEX reflects that benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes are often found together at contaminated sites.

How Does BTEX Enter The Environment?

The main source of BTEX contamination is the leakage of gasoline from faulty and poorly maintained underground storage tanks. Other sources of BTEX contamination are releases from large bulk facilities, surface spills, and pipeline leaks.

• How BTEX Moves Through The Environment?
• BTEX Health Effects
• BTEX Regulations
• Reducing Exposure To BTEX
• More information
• Printable version of the fact sheet