Overview

Isopropylbenzene, also knows as Cumene, is an organic compound commonly found in crude oil and refined fuels. It is colorless liquid that has a smell similar to gasoline.

Uses

Isopropylbenzene is fonund in the following prodcuts:

• Herbicides
• Asphalt primer
• Cement
• Fuel System Formula
• Sealant
• Varnish
• Paint Thinner
• Aviation fuel
• Used in manufacturing of acetone and phenol
• Gasoline blending

Toxicity

Human Health Effects

• Short-term exposure may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and unconsciousness
• Acute exposure effects resemble those of anesthetics
• Populations at elevated risk of experiencing adverse effects include people with kidney, chronic respiratory, liver, or skin disease.

Environmental Effects

• Cumeme is released into the environment at a rate of over 21 million pounds per year from the following sources:
  • Manufacturing and processing plants
  • Oil spills
  • Transportation and distribution of motor fuels
  • Cigarette smoke
• Moderate potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms.
• Half-life in river=1.2 hours; lake=4.4 days

References

Hazardous Substance Data Bank- Isopropylbenzene