What are Petroleum Distillates?
According to Sage solvent Guideline Petroleum Distillates Overview,"Petroleum distillates are hydrocarbon solvent produced from crude oil". 20 They are a volatile organic compound, that are used in the removal of heavy oil. grease, and tar. 20 Petroleum distillates can be found in stain removers, car waxes, garden pesticides and flea control products. 20
Chemical Name
Petroleum Naphtha 21
Chemical Formula
C6H14 21
Physical State
Colourless liquid, gasoline like odour 21
Health Concerns
Short term exposure to petroleum distillates can cause dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea, as well as well as eyes, throat and skin irritation. 21 Long term exposure can cause skin to crack and become dry. 21 Petroleum distillates can have a negative effect on human health when inhaled, or when direct contact is made with the skin or ingested. 21 This is due to the fact that vapor of petroleum distillates are mild narcotis and can irritate the mucous membrane in the body. 21
Environmental Concerns
Petroleum distillates can have a negative effect on the environment. 21 Though spraying air freshener does not largely contribute to it’s negative effect due to the fact that there are such small quantities of the substance in air fresheners and that it is rather distilled by the time it is canned and placed on grocery store shelves. 21 The main way that petroleum distillates has a negative effect on the environment is through the process in which they produce petroleum distillates from crude oil. 21 As petroleum compounds are rather dangerous to all forms of life and can pollute the air when turning it into petroleum distillates. 21
References:
20. "Petroleum Distillates Overview." Sage Solvent Alternative Guide. SAGE, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/19/18161/alt.cfm-id=pd&cat=ov.htm>.
21. Occupational Health Guideline for Petroleum Distillates. N.p.: n.p., n.d. PDF.
20. "Petroleum Distillates Overview." Sage Solvent Alternative Guide. SAGE, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/19/18161/alt.cfm-id=pd&cat=ov.htm>.
21. Occupational Health Guideline for Petroleum Distillates. N.p.: n.p., n.d. PDF.