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Ethylbenzene is a volatile organic compound and occurs naturally in petroleum and crude oil (ATSDR, 1999; NLM, 2003). It is produced by various processes from acetophenone, benzene, chlorobenzene, ethylenebenzene, naphthenes and xylene (NLM, 2003). Ethylbenzene can also be extracted from coal and may result from biomass combustion (ATSDR, 1999; NLM, 2003). A survey conducted pursuant to Section 71 of CEPA 1999 indicated that during the year 2000, 1690 kilotonnes of ethylbenzene at a concentration higher than 1% were manufactured in Canada and 18 kilotonnes of ethylbenzene at a concentration higher than 1% were imported into Canada. In addition, several companies reported either importing or manufacturing ethylbenzene at a concentration lower than 1% and in a quantity meeting the reporting threshold of 10 000 kg (Environment Canada, 2001). The survey also reported the use of ethylbenzene as a feedstock for petrochemicals and other organic chemicals, as a solvent in paints and coatings and in other solvent applications (Environment Canada, 2001). Reported uses in other jurisdictions fall into the categories of manufacture, solvents, fuels and coatings (ATSDR, 1999; NLM, 2003). The use of ethylbenzene in insecticides and carpet glues has also been reported (ATSDR, 1999).
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