Question from Lynn
Hi Debra,
What is the difference between petroleum distillates, and petrochemicals? Is one more toxic than the other?
Lynn, Michigan
Debra’s Answer
Petrochemicals are any chemicals made from coal tar or crude oil.
Petroleum distillates are petrochemicals that have been distilled in a refinery and then usually processed further and purified in some manner. There are many different types with completely opposite characteristics and uses.
Distillation is the basic process used to separate and purify the components of crude oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with impurities like sulfur, nitrogen and small amounts of metal. During distillation, the oil is heated in a large closed vesse called a still. The lighter components boil off first and rise to a higher point inside a tower above the still. The heavier components boil off at higher temperatures and condense back into liquids more quickly. These products are captured on trays at each level and pass out of the tower. The lighter and more volatile products are used in gasoline or as solvents, the next heavier might be used as diesel or stove oil and the next as lubricants, and so on.
Though all petrochemical products start as a distillate of petroleum, not all petrochemical products fall into the classification of “petroleum distillates.” Specifically, petroleum distillates include mineral spirits, kerosene, white spirits, naphtha, and Stoddard solvent. These products may contain trace amounts of benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene which have similar toxic effects.
Any product that contains a petroleum distillate in its formula must be labeled with the phrase “contains petroleum distillates” regardless of the actual distillate used. This is so doctors and emergency medical personnel will know how best to treat those who might accidentally drink the product. If a product contains petroleum distillates, the medical personnel may elect not to induce vomiting.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
