Phenol

Phenol is a waste product released by oil refineries in gaseous form. Over 1 million pounds of this toxin are released into the air on a yearly basis in the U.S. alone.

Phenol may cause serious respiratory issues, as well as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological system issues. If administered intravenously, phenol can be fatal and cause rapid death.

Texas, South Carolina and Ohio produce the most phenol waste in the country, and several oil refineries, including the BP Refinery in Texas City, TX and the Sunoco Refinery in Philadelphia, PA, are listed in the top 100 phenol-producing facilities.

Phenol output is regulated by Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Last modified: December 09, 2009.