Oils and grease are general terms for some petroleum hydrocarbons. Phenols Phenols, a particular group of organic chemicals, vary in toxicity and tend to be less persistent in the environment. Industries in New Bedford that may have used phenols were metal working industries, petroleum refining, and coal-gas production. Solvents Solvents are chemicals distinguished by their industrial use rather than their chemical structure. They are usually organic chemicals.
Solvents vary in toxicity and persistence in the environment.
Acids Acids can cause acute effects in the immediate disposal area, but they do not persist in the environment because they are quickly buffered. Industries in New Bedford that likely used acids were metal-working and metal plating, printing, petroleum refining, tanning, and manufacturing rubber products. Lye and caustic cleaning agents Lye and caustic cleaning agents are highly toxic. They can cause acute effects where they are dumped, they are very reactive and do not persist in the environment. Lye was used in tanning and soap making.