A known carcinogen, benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and vomiting. Death may result from high exposures. Leukemia is the form of cancer most commonly associated with benzene exposure. About 90 percent of airborne benzene results from gasoline. Benzene enters the air through tailpipe emissions and through evaporation, such as during refueling.
Refineries are the single largest industrial source of benzene emissions.
A chemical compound that promotes the reaction among other compounds without undergoing chemical change or being expended in the process. The process of disposing of waste gas streams by burning them in the open atmosphere. A vessel used for cracking petroleum products by using a powdered catalyst in suspension in a moving stream of oil vapor. A regulatory requirement to check valves and flanges throughout a refinery for leaks using portable monitoring equipment, and repairing any leaks above a certain rate within a set timeframe. Requirements aimed at ensuring that newly built or significantly refurbished sources of air pollution apply modern control technology upon construction or reconstruction.