Ethylbenzene is a chemical found in air, water, soil, coal tar, and petroleum. It’s a byproduct in many hydrocarbon compounds, including gasoline and paint. It’s used to make polystyrene, a form of plastic, and is present in many consumer products. Ethylbenzene exposure can cause respiratory problems, effects on coordination and thought processes, and long-term exposure can be carcinogenic and cause kidney and liver damage.
Ethylbenzene is an organic compound found in small amounts in air, water and soil and is also present in coal tar and petroleum. It is a byproduct in many hydrocarbon compounds, such as gasoline and paint, as well as insecticides and tobacco. The production of synthetic ethylbenzene works by interaction of the chemicals benzene and ethylene. The compound then goes through the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, which breaks it down into hydrogen and styrene. Styrene is an oily liquid that can also be extracted from a natural source, styrax trees, and is used to make polystyrene, a form of plastic molded into foam packaging, plastic cutlery, and more.
Over 1,000,000 pounds (453,592 kilograms) of ethylbenzene is produced in the United States each year and is used in six major industries, including a wide variety of consumer products and building materials. Its use in furniture is considered a major source of indoor air pollution. The production of the chemical is also intended for the production of synthetic rubber and as a component of aviation fuels.
Toluene is another chemical by-product of the production of ethylbenzene styrene. Uses for toluene are as an octane booster in gasoline and other types of plastics, such as polyurethane for upholstery and mattresses. The alkylation process involved in the production of ethylbenzene also results in the production of too much benzene and benzene-related compounds than is required to produce styrene. These compounds are reintroduced into the production cycle through the alkylating and transalkylating reactors.
Gasoline contains about 2% by weight of ethylbenzene, and the chemical itself smells like gasoline. Because it evaporates easily from gasoline and other sources into the air, it’s a common ingredient in smog in large metropolitan cities. Although the human sense of smell can detect concentrations of ethylbenzene in the air as low as two parts per million, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has not classified its contamination in the air as a carcinogen.
The health effects of ethylbenzene exposure are suspected to be significant because it is so prevalent in modern society. It evaporates from chemicals such as paints, spray paints and adhesives and is present in car exhaust fumes, gasoline and tobacco smoke. Exposure levels are the key factor in determining risk, with short-term adverse effects such as respiratory problems and effects on coordination and thought processes. Long-term exposure to the chemical has been shown to be carcinogenic and cause kidney and liver damage.
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