Ethylbenzene

GENERAL INFORMATION
Ethylbenzene is a colorless organic liquid with a sweet, gasoline-like odor. The greatest use — more than 99 percent — of ethylbenzene is to make styrene, another organic liquid used as a building block for many plastics. It is also used as a solvent for coatings, and in the making of rubber and plastic wrap. The major source of ethylbenzene in drinking water is discharge from petroleum refineries.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing ethylbenzene well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys.

Standard value 1: 
700.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
VOC
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Ethylbenzene levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Ethylbenzene levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Discharge from petroleum refineries
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS

  • ODH Health Assessment Fact Sheet - BTEX
  • ATSDR ToxFAQs Fact Sheet - Ethylbenzene